In the UK, the weather has been unrelentingly gloomy this year. For weeks, rain has poured down daily, leading to over 100 flood warnings. According to scientists, the same atmospheric forces causing this relentless rain in the UK are also responsible for severe flooding in Spain and Portugal.
### Heavy Rainfall in the UK
Recent figures show that Northern Ireland has faced its wettest January in 149 years. Meanwhile, southern England recorded its sixth wettest January since records began in 1836. Rainfall in some areas exceeded average levels by up to 88%. In places like North Wyke, Devon, and Astwood Bank, Worcestershire, rain has fallen every day so far in 2023.
Jess Neumann, a hydrologist at the University of Reading, remarked on how unusual it is to compare this wet period with the drought and hosepipe bans that occurred just months ago.
### What’s Causing the Rain?
The UK’s ongoing rain results from a series of weather systems, including storms named Goretti and Ingrid. Neil Armstrong, a forecaster with the Met Office, noted that strong winds from the Atlantic have created consistently wet conditions across many areas. The jet stream, a fast-moving air current, has shifted southward, guiding these low-pressure systems right over the UK.
### Wider Impact of Storms
Spain and Portugal are also dealing with devastating floods due to similar weather patterns. Storm Leonardo has already caused significant destruction, leading to fatalities and displacing many. Experts highlight that even small additional rain can cause flooding in already saturated soils.
### Climate Change and Rainfall Patterns
Research suggests that climate change is making our weather more extreme. The jet stream’s behavior may be altered by fossil fuel pollution, resulting in prolonged bad weather. For the UK, this could mean wetter winters and drier summers going forward.
Interestingly, recent severe weather has had one positive outcome. Neumann noted that the UK water resources are now recovering, and drought conditions have lifted for the first time since May, restoring reservoirs and aquifers.
As we continue to see remarkable shifts in weather patterns, monitoring these changes will be essential for preparing for future conditions. For more detailed insights, the UK Met Office offers continual updates on weather phenomena and their implications.
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