A unit of atmospheric pressure. 1 millibar = 1 hectopascal (hPa). Standard sea-level pressure is 1013.25 mbar.
measurementWhat is Millibar (mbar/hPa)?
Millibars and hectopascals are numerically identical and used interchangeably in meteorology. The millibar was the traditional unit; the hectopascal (hPa) is the SI-derived unit now preferred by the WMO. Weather maps show pressure in hPa. A tropical cyclone is considered intense when its central pressure drops below 950 hPa; supertyphoons can have central pressures below 900 hPa.
Key points
- A unit of atmospheric pressure. 1 millibar = 1 hectopascal (hPa). Standard sea-level pressure is 1013.25 mbar.
- Category: measurement
Related terms
See also: millibar is connected to other weather concepts. Browse the full glossary for related definitions.