UK (Parliament Politic Magazine) –Weather warnings are currently in effect across England and Wales as the wet and windy conditions persist in the UK. A yellow alert has been issued for storms, spanning from London to Manchester and covering a significant portion of the Midlands and Wales. This warning will be in place from 09:00 to 19:00 BST.
Additionally, a yellow warning has been issued for strong winds expected to hit the south coast of England throughout the day. According to provisional data from the Met Office, last month was one of the wettest Julys on record. The UK experienced its sixth rainiest July since data collection began, and the wettest since 2009, with a total rainfall of 140.1mm.
Met Office Predicts UK To Have Stormy and Windy Season
The Met Office data also reveals that Northern Ireland had its wettest July on record, with rainfall exceeding double the average at 185.4mm. Greater Manchester, Lancashire, and Merseyside also experienced their wettest July since records began, with prolonged periods of rain.
In recent weeks, rain, wind, and cool temperatures have dominated the forecast, providing a stark contrast to the dangerous heatwave sweeping through much of Europe. Meteorologists attribute the wet and cool weather to the position of the jet stream, a core of strong winds located approximately five to seven miles above the Earth’s surface. The jet stream determines much of the UK’s weather patterns.
The jet stream acts as a boundary between cold air in the polar regions to the north and hot air to the south, creating pressure differences. Last year, the jet stream was positioned further north, resulting in warm and dry weather in the UK due to a high-pressure system over the country. Heavy storms and windy air is expected to hit the UK in the coming days.
Cold and Wet Weather Ahead In August
However, this month, the jet stream has remained to the south of the UK, leading to a low-pressure system that brings cold and wet weather. In recent weeks, the inclement weather has forced the cancellation of several summer festivals and events, including the Tiree Music Festival, a renowned folk event held on the picturesque island of Tiree off the west coast of Scotland.
At the time of cancellation, approximately 600 staff members, volunteers, and ticket holders were already present on the remote island. The decision to cancel was made due to the sudden and powerful winds that posed a significant risk to the safety of everyone involved.
The adverse weather conditions have also affected local events, such as the Penarth Summer Festival in south Wales. This festival, which has been a staple for 60 years, attracts visitors from all over the UK with its thrilling downhill homemade go-kart race.
Unfortunately, the festival had to be canceled due to a weather warning for high winds. Nick McDonald, representing the Penarth Town Council, highlighted the festival’s importance in boosting local businesses and marking the beginning of the summer holidays. The cancellation was undoubtedly a disappointment for all involved.
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Prolonged Periods Of Warm Weather To Hit UK This Summer
Some scientists believe that the Arctic, which has experienced a warming rate more than four times faster than the global average, is contributing to the slowing of the jet stream. This phenomenon increases the likelihood of high pressure systems and prolonged periods of hot weather.
As a result of global warming, the United Kingdom can expect hotter temperatures and more frequent periods of rainfall. Warmer air has the capacity to hold more moisture, which then falls to the ground in heavy downpours.
A recent study conducted by the UK Met Office and the University of Bristol, published in March, revealed that the intensity of downpours could increase by up to 15% for every degree of global warming.
Based on projected emissions levels, global temperatures are predicted to rise by 2.4C by the end of the century. Although the recent rainfall has provided some relief to natural water sources following last year’s droughts and a dry May and June this year, Steve Turner from the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology cautioned that a wet July alone will not fully replenish rivers and lakes.