Monthly mean pressure reconstructions for Europe for the 1780-1995 period

Monthly grid-point pressure data are reconstructed from station records of pressure for Europe since 1780. The region encompasses 35-70 degrees N to 3 0 degrees W-40 degrees E. The reconstructions are based on a principal comp onents regression technique, which relates surface pressure patterns to tho se of the station pressure data. The relationships are derived over a calib ration period (1936-1995) and the results tested with independent data (the verification period, 1881-1935). The reconstructions are of excellent qual ity, although this is slightly lower for regions with poor station coverage in the early years, particularly during the summer months. The reconstructions are compared with other monthly mean pressure maps prod uced by Lamb and Johnson (1966) for the years 1780-1872 and by Kington (198 0, 1988) for 1781-1785. Both of these map series show systematic biases rel ative to the present reconstructions. Copyright (C) 1999 Royal Meteorologic al Society.