850mb Wind Convergence

850mb wind convergence occurs when winds at the 850mb pressure level (approximately 1.5 km above the surface) meet, forcing air to rise. This mid-level process is significant in meteorology as it can enhance vertical motion, aiding in the development of clouds, precipitation, and potentially severe weather. Convergence at this level often aligns with surface features like fronts, low-pressure systems, or areas of strong temperature gradients. It plays a key role in amplifying weather systems. In the maps below, red indicates converging air and blue represents diverging air at the 850mb level.