Atmospheric pressure effects

Air pressure has an effect on the height of the tide and consequently the availability of the sandbank. Use the chart below in conjunction with the periods of lower tides shown on the availability page to ensure that the site is suitable for sailing. 1013.25mb is the neutral point. Lower pressure raises the tide by the number of centimetres shown. Higher pressure drops the tide height by the indicated figure.

For an approximate rule of thumb, subtract 1013 from the air pressure, then subtract the result (in centimetres) from the tide height. For calculations remember than 'minus minus' is actually 'plus', and 'minus plus' is 'minus'.

Example #1: Pressure at 1005, minus 1013 equals -8. Subtract this from a tide of 8.3m, 830cm - (-8cm) = 822cm (8.22m). This would have appeared to have been a good tide if the pressure was not taken into account, but with lower air pressure the tide height is than 8.3m, and likely to rise over the sandbar.

Example #2: Pressure at 1025, minus 1013 equals +12. Subtract this from a tide of 8.4m, 840cm - (+12cm) = 828cm (8.28m). Without taking the air pressure into account this would have appeared to have been a poor tide. Factoring in the air pressure, this tide would be marginal, but probably okay.

Please remember that The Pan takes a while to dry out, so a single sub-8.3m tide is usually not sufficient to dry the site out completely, although dry areas of varying sizes may be found right out on the sandbank - watch the incoming tide though, if the high is likely to be over 8.3m!