Phase A of the NASA Pacific Exploratory Mission in the western North Pacific (PEM-West A) region was conducted during September--October 1991. The background meteorology of eastern Asia and the western North Pacific region during the PEM-West A study is described. Mean large-scale flow patterns are discussed along with transient synoptic scale features (e.g., midlatitude cyclones, anticyclones, and frontal systems) responsible for long-range transport of trace species over the study region. Synoptic summaries are given for each of the 18 data flights, together with selected examples of meteorological processes that gave rise to some of the changes observed in the measured trace gases. Examples of large-scale ozone features observed above and below the DC-8 flight altitude by an onboard lidar system are also related to meteorological processes such as stratospheric-tropospheric exchange and upward transport of air from the boundary layer. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1996