Thermal structure in the lower layers of anticyclones

The amount of stratocumulus cloud in easterly anticyclonic airstreams over the British Isles is shown to be related to the pressure and temperature at the base of anticyclonic inversions. These two parameters are not conservative. Fluctuations occur, often in a periodic manner, as shallow but distinct cold and warm areas circulate in the lower layers of anticyclones. These cold and warm areas originate from successive pulses of cold and warm air on the flanks of anticyclones but retain their identity after the fronts separating them have decayed and been omitted from routine analyses. Approximate dimensions and forms of significant temperature patterns are deduced.