Definition
The flow of air around a high-pressure center. In the Northern Hemisphere this circulation is clockwise; in the Southern Hemisphere it is counterclockwise. Air moves outward from the high and gradually descends, producing generally clear and stable weather.
Plain English
It is the way wind flows around an area of high pressure. In the Northern Hemisphere the wind moves around it clockwise, and the air slowly sinks and spreads outward, which usually means calm, fair weather.
Context Anchor
Seen in weather and wind-pattern discussions when reading about how air moves around high-pressure systems.
Derivation
From Greek 'anti' meaning 'opposite' and 'kyklos' meaning 'circle' or 'wheel.' Literally 'opposite of cyclonic.' Since cyclonic flow goes counterclockwise around a low (in the Northern Hemisphere), anticyclonic flow goes the opposite way -- clockwise around a high.
Why Pilots Care
Knowledge of anticyclonic circulation helps anticipate stable air, clear skies, and light winds near highs, which can influence visibility and route planning.
Grounding Statement
On a weather map in the United States, picture air flowing clockwise around the center of a high-pressure area.
Intuition Check
Anticyclonic does not mean there is no circulation. It means the air circulates in the opposite direction from the flow around a low-pressure system.
Example Sentence 1
The high-pressure system over the region produced anticyclonic circulation, giving us light westerly winds and clear skies for the cross-country.
Example Sentence 2
Recognizing anticyclonic circulation allowed the student to expect light winds and clear conditions near the high-pressure area.