A powerful storm system is set to batter the UK, bringing heavy showers, hail, and thunder days after the country’s warmest spring equinox in over 50 years.
Heavy showers, hail, and thunder are forecast to hit the UK days after the warmest spring equinox in more than 50 years.
The United Kingdom is known for its unpredictable and varied climate.
The country experiences a temperate maritime climate, influenced by the Gulf Stream, which keeps temperatures relatively mild compared to other European countries.
The UK's weather is characterized by high levels of rainfall, with an average annual rainfall of around 1,154 mm in England.
Summer months are typically warm and sunny, while winters can be cool and wet.
The UK's geography also plays a significant role in shaping its climate, with mountains and hills blocking or redirecting weather patterns.
Dawn skies over the farmers’ fields in Dunsden, Oxfordshire.
Heavy showers, hail, and thunder are forecast to hit the UK days after the warmest spring equinox in more than 50 years. The Met Office has warned of flooding, as parts of the country experience torrential rain after a period of unusually warm weather.
The UK’s warmest spring equinox day since 1972 was recorded on Thursday, with temperatures reaching 21.3C in Northolt and Chertsey. ‘The warmth is just one aspect of what we’re seeing,’ said Jonathan Vautrey, a meteorologist at the Met Office.
The UK has experienced a significant increase in extreme weather events, with rising temperatures being a major concern.
According to the Met Office, the UK's national weather service, 2020 was the hottest year on record, surpassing the previous record set in 2014.
The average temperature in England and Wales rose by 1.5°C over the past century, with the warmest decade on record being 2010-2019.
This trend is attributed to climate change, with greenhouse gas emissions contributing to global warming.
The prolonged heat has sparked off intense thunderstorms across eastern parts of England. ‘There could be some localised flooding in places,’ advising travellers to take care, said the Met Office. Heavy showers with hail and thunder are expected to continue in London and the East Midlands, with some areas experiencing over 10mm of rain in less than an hour.
The Met Office issues four types of weather warnings: Yellow, Amber, Red, and Black.
Yellow warnings indicate potential disruption, while Amber warnings signify a higher level of risk.
Red warnings denote severe weather conditions, and Black warnings are the most critical, indicating extreme danger.
The warnings provide crucial information for planning and preparation, helping to minimize the impact of adverse weather.
The weather forecast for Sunday is cloudy in the north and east, with sunny spells in the north-west and south-east followed by showers. Temperatures will be above average, with 15C expected in London, 12C in Birmingham, and 11C in Manchester. Flood alerts remain in place for 20 parts of the country, including Henley, Salisbury, and Hertfordshire.
Vautrey notes that climate change is causing warmer temperatures to arrive earlier in the year, leading to more intense summer storms occurring at different points in the year. This trend is expected to continue as temperatures become increasingly extreme.
- theguardian.com | Heavy showers, hail and thunder forecast to hit UK
