It’s safe to say that this British summer has been quite unpredictable. June brought us scorching temperatures, making it the warmest June on record. However, as July arrived, so did the rain. Unfortunately, forecasters predict that this dreary weather will continue well into August, disappointing those hoping for a sunny end to their summer holidays. This is in stark contrast to the extreme heat experienced by most of Europe, with consecutive heatwaves leading to record-breaking temperatures and devastating wildfires in Greece.
So, why has Britain seen rain while the continent has sweltered in unbearable heat? The answer lies in the arrival of a series of low-pressure systems above the UK, which have been trapped in place by a “blocked weather pattern,” according to experts from the Met Office and scientists. This weather pattern has been caused by the position of the jet stream, a fast-moving strip of air high in the atmosphere that directs weather systems towards Britain. Normally, during the summer, the jet stream is located north of the UK, pulling up hot air and bringing warmer, more settled weather. However, this year it has remained to the south of the country, resulting in unsettled and wet conditions.
This low-pressure system, driven in from the Atlantic, has also allowed high pressure to dominate in Europe, leading to the extreme heat experienced there. Unfortunately, this pattern looks set to continue, with forecasters not anticipating a return of hot weather until later in August. While there are some indications of more settled weather towards the end of the month, there are no signs of prolonged or excessive heat at the moment.
The prolonged wet weather in the UK, while Europe basks in heat, can be attributed to a blocked weather pattern and atmospheric Rossby waves. These waves, created by the Earth’s rotation, can lead to extreme weather conditions. Giant, blocked waves in the atmosphere can cause relentless heat or intense rainfall and flooding, depending on the region. In this case, the blocked weather pattern has resulted in cool and wet conditions in the UK and extreme heat in Europe.
The persistence of weather patterns for longer periods is a topic of discussion, with some experts suggesting a possible link to climate change. Global warming may be making blocked weather patterns more common, but the impact on the jet stream, which naturally has waves, is still uncertain. However, there is evidence that climate change is intensifying heatwaves, droughts, and deluges, ultimately leading to more extreme weather events across the globe. Without significant reductions in greenhouse gas emissions, these weather extremes will only worsen.
In conclusion, while Europe has been experiencing back-to-back extreme heatwaves, the UK has been trapped in a blocked weather pattern resulting in wet and cool conditions. The jet stream’s position and the Earth’s rotation have played a significant role in these weather patterns. Climate change may also be influencing weather patterns, but more research is needed to understand its full impact.
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