At present, the Met Workplace confirmed that this summer season was the warmest on report for the UK. The information was anticipated, on condition that it had already introduced final week that it was ‘virtually sure’ this might be the case.
This summer season has been characterised by 4 heatwaves of various extent. The best quantity have been throughout the south and east of the UK, with fewer within the north and west.
Nevertheless, the heatwaves are solely a part of the story. Outdoors of the heatwaves, above common temperatures have persevered all through summer season nationwide.
The imply temperature this summer season was 16.10C, which beats the earlier report of 15.76C – set in 2018. This 12 months’s report signifies that the UK’s high 5 warmest summers have all occurred since 2000, relegating the notorious lengthy, scorching and sunny summer season of 1976 to sixth place.
Why has it been so heat?
There are 4 predominant the explanation why this summer season has been so heat. I’ll begin with the extra apparent ones first.
Excessive stress has been near or over the UK for many of summer season. This has led to a number of dry and sunny climate, permitting heat to construct and persist.
Local weather change has additionally performed a component, making the temperatures increased than they’d have been in its absence, in addition to growing the possibility of record-breaking seasonal heat.
We’ve additionally had a marine heatwave across the UK this summer season, with sea temperatures above common. Throughout summer season, the ocean has a moderating cooling impact on the land. However with the ocean being hotter than common, this impact has been lessened.
The ultimate cause is dry floor, attributable to the dearth of rainfall the UK has skilled to date this 12 months – particularly throughout southern and jap areas. Dry floor heats up extra readily than damp floor, permitting increased temperatures to be achieved extra simply.
What about sunshine and rainfall?
This summer season has been a sunny one for many, with sunshine 10% above common for the UK.
UK rainfall has been 16% under common. Nevertheless, when drilling down into the element, the image is extra variable.
Scotland and Northern Eire had 99% and 93% respectively of their common summer season rainfall. England and Wales had been drier, with solely 69% and 79% of their common respective rainfall.
What about September?
The primary 10 days of September are set to choose up the place August left off, with an unsettled theme to our climate. A south-shifted jet stream will push areas of low stress throughout the UK from the Atlantic Ocean, bringing showers or longer spells of rain and brisk winds.
Wanting past that is difficult, as a result of we’re approaching the statistical peak of the Atlantic hurricane season. If any hurricanes kind, they may have the potential to affect our climate not directly and introduce loads of uncertainty into the forecast.
Nonetheless, with a scarcity of rainfall to date this 12 months and the continued stress on water assets, the rain, if not welcomed by all, will likely be a lot wanted.
