A record-breaking March for sunshine in England has brought outdoor fun, but will the dry spell last until Easter? Temperatures and wind patterns are expected to shift, bringing warmer conditions and potential rain.
After a record-breaking March for sunshine in England, many schools are now breaking up for the Easter holidays on Friday. While outdoor fun is expected without rain jackets, there’s still some uncertainty about how long this dry spell will last.
Temperatures and Wind
This weekend, you may have noticed a distinct chill in the air despite the sunny skies. The large area of high pressure dominating our weather has brought clear and sunny conditions, but its position to the north of the UK has fed in colder air from Scandinavia. The strength of the breeze has added to the colder feel, especially along eastern-facing coasts where winds have been blowing in off seas at just 7 or 8 degrees Celsius.
As high pressure shifts southwards this week, lighter winds and warmer temperatures can be expected. By Tuesday, parts of north and west Scotland and west Northern Ireland could see temperatures above 20°C (68°F) once more. Later in the week, parts of England and Wales could reach highs of 20-22°C (68-72°F), with less easterly breeze to make it feel colder.
Fire Risk and Rain
The lack of rain has been a major concern, leading to increased fire risks across the UK. Wildfires have been tackled by firefighters daily, and a major incident was declared in Northern Ireland as a huge wildfire took hold on the Mourne Mountains. The National Fire Chiefs Council advises against using disposable barbecues in the countryside and parks.
Located on the island of Ireland, Northern Ireland is one of the four countries that make up the United Kingdom.
With a population of approximately 1.9 million people, it covers an area of about 14,160 square kilometers.
The region shares a border with the Republic of Ireland to the south and west.
Northern Ireland has a diverse landscape, featuring rolling hills, mountains, and coastlines along the Atlantic Ocean.
Its capital city is Belfast, which is known for its rich history, cultural attractions, and vibrant nightlife.
However, there are increasing signs that weather patterns could start to shift later this coming weekend to bring more changeable conditions into the following week. An area of low pressure in the North Atlantic will start to edge closer, replacing sunny skies with occasional rainy ones. While the exact timing and amount of rain is still uncertain, it looks like the second week of the Easter holidays may still be blessed with some sunny spells.
Weather patterns refer to the regular and predictable ways in which the atmosphere behaves, including temperature, humidity, cloudiness, wind, and precipitation.
These patterns are influenced by global atmospheric circulation, topography, and ocean currents.
Understanding weather patterns is essential for predicting future weather conditions, mitigating natural disasters, and optimizing agricultural production.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), weather patterns can be categorized into several types, including high-pressure systems, low-pressure systems, fronts, and tropical cyclones.
Easter Weather Outlook
Easter is too far away to pinpoint the exact details in weather terms. Some computer models continue with changeable weather patterns that bring sunny days interspersed with showery ones. However, others show potential for another area of high pressure to build in from the north, bringing largely dry conditions again.
Dry conditions refer to a state of low humidity and moisture in the air, often resulting from a lack of precipitation or high temperatures.
This can lead to dry soil, parched plants, and increased risk of wildfires.
According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), dry conditions are a major contributor to droughts, affecting over 40% of the world's land area.
Prolonged exposure to dry conditions can also have negative impacts on human health, including respiratory issues and skin irritation.
Stay ahead of any Easter surprises with our Monthly Outlook.
