Weather in the general media (Newspaper features etc)

[Summer Sun]

Weather Online have updated the month ahead outlook

Valid from 30/11 to 27/12 2011

High pressure dominates

Issued: Monday 12th March 2012

Duty forecaster: Simon Keeling & Captain Bob

'Broken Springs?' Depends upon what you're wishing for, if it's rain....sorry!

There seems little in the pattern to suggest any weakening of the influence of high pressure just yet as it looks as if it'll be remaining the dominant feature through to the middle of the month at least, possibly waning into the third week as a more general west to south-westerly flow extends across the whole UK.

High pressure will remain as a feature across the southern half of the British Isles mainly as a transient ridge as low pressure affects more northern areas, therefore the essentially dry conditions continue through England and Wales, whilst more northern areas see periods of rainfall and stronger wind from the west to southwest.

There is evidence that the conditions will a slid to colder weather as high pressure remains strong to the west or northwest, the flow from the north, this may well last through until mid-month, so essentially dry but cooler in the outlook.

*19/03/2012*

Essentially dry through much of this period, high pressure firmly in control. It will be a matter of chasing cloud amounts during this period, the distribution of this determining the day to day fortunes and fluctuations in both sunny spells and temperature. There is little to indicate the risk of widespread frost, perhaps misty or foggy conditions to be cleared away, more the threat of cloudy weather trapped beneath the high pressure 'spoiling the party' for many wishing for spring-like conditions. Generally mild across most areas through the period, although are indications of a 'cooling' later.

*20/03/2012 - 07/04/2012*

It appears to be within this period that high pressure's grip on the pattern weakens somewhat to allow a more Atlantic orientated flow to begin to erode the mainly settled and fine pattern that much of the UK has for so long experienced.

High pressure slipping away should allow a more south-westerly flow to initially establish through western and north-western Britain and although southern, central and eastern areas will remain essentially dry for a while longer, more unsettled and cooler conditions are likely to extend through all areas from off the Atlantic, although amounts of rainfall across southern areas will be small.

Any rainfall is likely to be essentially of a fragmented and showery nature especially across southern areas, an area of higher pressure establishing to the west as the forecast period closes.

*08/04/2012 - 13/04/2012*

High pressure looks as if it'll be building once more, indicated to be to the west of the British Isles, a much colder flow establishing through all areas. There is the risk of wintry showers appearing over northern high ground and the return of overnight frost. Some good sunny spells will be available and given shelter across southern and central Britain, it will feel like spring in the sunshine, but exposed to the chilly breeze it may not be the case.

Simon & Capn Bob

http://www.weatheron...ma&DAY=20120312

[Summer Sun]

£1,000 FINE FOR USING HOSEPIPE

HOUSEHOLDERS will face £1,000 fines if they use a hosepipe as part of plans to avert Britain’s worst drought for 124 years.

Companies have the power to impose the penalty under Section 76 of the Water Industry Act 1991, which states: “Any person contravening a water use prohibition shall be guilty of an offence and liable to a fine not exceeding £1,000.â€

HOSEPIPE BAN FOR DRY UK

MILLIONS of homes across Britain face hosepipe bans by the end of the month after an “exceptionally dry†year. Seven water companies, with over 20million customers, have revealed they will introduce water restrictions as Britain faces a summer drought. Two unusually dry winters have left reservoirs and rivers well below normal levels.

They added that every groundwater site south of Teesside has been left drier than drought-ravaged 1976. And experts fear we could soon face rocketing food prices as crops are affected.

Now Southern Water, South East Water, Thames Water, Anglian Water, Sutton and East Surrey, Veolia Central and Veolia South East are all bringing in restrictions on water use in East Anglia and the south-east. Last month, the water companies warned that hosepipe bans were on the cards, as the Environment Department (Defra) declared the areas are now in a state of drought.

Southern Water’s water strategy manager, Meyrick Gough, said: “These measures are being brought in following an exceptionally dry 12 months. But, as the weather gets warmer, the demand for water will rise and therefore to safeguard supplies throughout the summer we need to restrict the amount of water used in gardens.†And in the build-up to the Olympics, Thames Water is to impose a hosepipe ban on all its 8.8m customers in London and the Thames Valley.

Environment Secretary Caroline Spelman said the temporary restrictions were being imposed to help protect the public water supply. Environmental groups and angling organisations have welcomed the ban and said water demand during dry conditions put a huge strain on wildlife, rivers and the countryside. And the drought in the east is set to become even more acute after forecasters said the UK could see temperatures hit a summer-like 21C. MeteoGroup forecaster Paul Knightley said: “We will probably see 20C this week and possibly 21C. “It looks like a fine few days of 17-19C temperatures generally, with much of eastern and central England doing well.â€

http://www.dailystar...ban-for-dry-UK/

Balmy weather makes Britain the bask country

STUNNING Bianca Bajnoczy basks in the spring sunshine in Bournemouth yesterday — as hosepipe bans were announced across swathes of England. Seven water firms in affected areas fear a "severe drought" and will impose the restrictions on April 5. The ban will hit nearly 20million people who face fines of £1,000 if they break it. Britain enjoyed above average temperatures yesterday, although many parts started with thick fog. The hottest place was Exeter with 15.1° C (59.2° F). The balmy weather is to continue this week.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4190362/Balmy-weather-makes-Britain-the-bask-country.html

[Summer Sun]

DESERT BRITAIN! IT’S DRIER THAN THE OUTBACK

http://www.express.c...an-the-Outback-

[Methuselah]

Blimey Bruce. Can't we just stick anything the Express says into the 'Make Us Laugh' thread??

[Summer Sun]

HOSEPIPE BAN MAY SPREAD NATIONWIDE

NATIONWIDE hosepipe bans are likely to be in force within weeks as Britain’s drought crisis worsens, environment chiefs warned last night. Despite rain expected this weekend, groundwater supplies and river flows have “dropped rapidly†again after the driest week in almost two months. From Monday British Waterways will restrict lock opening times at several canals.

Seven water companies in the South-east and East Anglia have confirmed hosepipe bans coming into effect from April 5. The Environment Agency said national curbs could follow as the UK faces the worst drought in 124 years, with the lowest rainfall for six weeks this week. Britain is now drier than some of the world’s most arid regions. Parts of the UK could be classed as “desert†with two-thirds of the country drier than the region around Ayers Rock in the Australian outback.

Reservoirs are critically low, forcing water firms to apply to take supplies from rivers which are also at record-low levels. The Environment Agency’s Drought Prospects Report said soil moisture has also been depleted as a result of this week’s dry, warm weather. The Met Office said that although it will rain at the weekend it will be a “drop in the oceanâ€. Forecaster Helen Chivers said: “We can all expect to see rain over the weekend, with persistent rain for some and frequent showers for others at times. “But rain amounts are just a drop in the ocean compared to what drought areas need.â€

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/308644/Hosepipe-ban-may-spread-nationwide

[Terminal Moraine]

Gawd help us who writes this garbage?

The worst drought for 124 years it most certainly is not. The drought of 1975/76 was far more severe and covered a larger area, let alone the one in 1921.

'Parts of Britain could be classed as desert' The definition of a desert is an area with a mean annual rainfall of less than about 250mm, not a period of a few months with below average rainfall, so bar a dramatic long term change in the British climate it's highly unlikely that any area of Britain will ever be classed as desert.

As for Britain being drier than some of the worlds most arid regions, well I'd like to see the statistics to back that up. Perhaps one place in Britain has been drier than one other place in an arid region over the last month and this is the proof. Rather like one place in England being hotter than one place in Algeria on one particular day, therefore England is hotter than Algeria.

I choke on my museli when I read stuff like this.

[Summer Sun]

Get ready for some wet and colder weather the Daily Express have just cursed it

68F BY FRIDAY ...AND THAT IS JUST THE START

SIZZLING temperatures likely to last for weeks will make it a “very hot†summer, forecasters ­predicted ­yesterday. And the mercury is expected to soar to 68F (20C) as early as Friday. More is on the way with glorious sunshine and balmy temperatures expected to last until August.

It could be the first decent summer we have had for six years – a distinct contrast to last year’s washout. Yet although welcomed by tourists and sun lovers, it spells misery for water firms and farmers who are facing the worst drought in 124 years. Experts have warned weeks of ­prolonged heavy rain over the next three months are “crucial†to avert a “wildlife tragedy†as rivers and ­reservoirs reach c­ritically low levels.

http://www.express.c...-just-the-start

Edited March 20, 2012 by Gavin D

[Methuselah]

Where did they get that cobblers from, then? And who are the mysterious 'forecasters'? Piers Corbyn?

[Coast]

Where did they get that cobblers from, then? And who are the mysterious 'forecasters'? Piers Corbyn?

"Weather Services ­International Chief meteorologist Dr Todd Crawford"

"Jim Dale, meteorologist at British Weather Services, said we could ­certainly be enjoying a scorcher in time for the 2012 Olympics in July."

Owww matron!

[Methuselah]

Owww matron!

Oops! :fool:

[Summer Sun]

UK To Be As Hot As The Sahara This Weekend

Forecasters are predicting a treat for sun worshippers this weekend as UK temperatures match those in the Sahara Desert.

Thursday saw Britain hit 20C for the first time this year, with Otterbourne in Hampshire basking in the balmy weather. Sky News weather presenter Nazaneen Gaffar said: "Most places will keep the fine weather this weekend. "The warmest day will be on Saturday where there'll be plenty of inland sunshine once the mist, fog and low cloud thin away during the morning. "Further inland, the south could reach highs of 20-21C.

"Sunday will bring more warm sunshine for many, especially across central and western parts, but once again North Sea coasts will be plagued by the mist and fog." Temperatures in the African desert are predicted to be around 21C this weekend. Spring may have sprung officially just a few days ago but with peaks at 20-21°C expected over the weekend Britons will have a true taste of summer with temperatures to rival those normally seen in June.

While the record March temperature of 25.6C, recorded in Mepal, Cambridgeshire, in 1968, will not be challenged, the sunshine will be welcomed by vitamin D-starved Brits. The alarm bells have started ringing for water boards however as an unseasonably dry winter has already left supply levels in dire straits. Last week water boards in Southern and Eastern England warned householders of a hosepipe ban that would imperil summer fun spent gardening and in the paddling pool. The warnings came after the environment department declared in February that the South East had joined most of East Anglia in a state of drought, with the rest of the region to follow. The ban is set to come into force by a number of the companies from April 5.

http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16194787

[Summer Sun]

Get ready for a beach weekend! Temperatures to hit 21C today as British Summer Time looks like living up to its name (for once)

The beach will no doubt be a popular option this weekend as Britain looks set to enjoy temperatures hotter than the Mediterranean and even Bermuda.
Some parts of the UK could be in for a far higher than average 21c (70f) today, with the warm weather likely to stretch through the weekend and beyond.
Even parts of western Scotland could be treated to sunshine.

Matt Dobson, meteorologist at MeteoGroup, said: 'While we are expecting 20 to 21C here, it will be 20C in Madrid, and 19 to 20C in Rome and Athens so it will be warmer than most of the Med destinations. 'Further afield it is only 18 to 20C in Melbourne in Australia, but it is their autumn while it is our spring.'

In Bermuda, the mercury may just about peak at around 20C-21C today. However, not all of the UK will be so lucky with the weather, Mr Dobson said. 'It will be much cooler in eastern parts of Suffolk and the North Sea coast with temperatures between 8C and 10C. It will be misty and murky at times so head west for the best of the weather.'

http://www.dailymail...l#ixzz1pxKexelR

Edited March 23, 2012 by Gavin D

[Manchester_Sunset]

Hotter than the Sahara for the start of summer time

Summer will come early this weekend as Britain basks under blue skies at 70F (21C) — among the warmest temperatures recorded at this time of the year.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/topics/weather/9161852/Hotter-than-the-Sahara-for-the-start-of-summer-time.html

[Summer Sun]

WELCOME TO BRITISH SUMMER TIME

THOUSANDS are expected to flock to the seaside this weekend as Britain sizzles in temperatures set to rival Australia’s Bondi beach. Forecasters have predicted wall-to-wall sunshine as the country basks in the hottest March for seven years. Yesterday was the warmest day of the year so far with the mercury hitting 70.3F (21.3C) at Charlwood, Surrey – almost double the average for March.

Similar temperatures are expected to draw 30,000 visitors to South Coast resorts such as Bournemouth, which could be as hot as Bondi beach in Sydney. A tourist board spokesman said: “The forecast for the weekend looks good and because of that the hotels have seen a big influx of late bookings. It is an exciting start to the season and hopefully it is a sign of things to come.â€

Thousands are also expected to head for the parks to enjoy the warm weather and lighter evenings from tomorrow when British Summer Time begins.

Forecaster Brian Gaze, of The Weather Outlook, said: “We’re breaking temperature records as the outdoor season begins.†Only the East Coast looks set to miss out, with onshore winds and sea mist keeping temperatures in check.

But the hot, dry weather is bad news for water companies as the UK faces the worst drought for 124 years.

Parts of the country are set to be hit by restrictions and hosepipe bans in a matter of days as rivers and reservoirs run low. Firefighters last night warned the drought-hit countryside has been turned into a tinder box, with the least stray spark capable of leading to a disaster. They urged people not to light barbecues on picnics or discard cigarette ends in rural areas.

http://www.express.co.uk/posts/view/310095/Welcome-to-British-Summer-time

[Dorsetbred]

Looking like March is going out DRY

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQgzUz7rbAE&feature=plcp&context=C41a0e60VDvjVQa1PpcFM31siyQdCnA4yIPb2kKjFb96FJ6DByk-g%3D

[Summer Sun]

71F IN MARCH! NOW BRITAIN BASKS IN THE MED-DAY SUN

BRITAIN lapped up the sun yesterday as spring temperatures hit balmy Mediterranean highs.

Thermometers soared to 71.6F (21.7C), which is 18F above seasonal averages after a combination of clear skies and mild winds left the UK hotter than Naples, Barcelona and Athens. The sunshine sparked an invasion of coastal resorts from Blackpool to Brighton. Among the day trippers in Brighton were Florence Bunday, 10, and her sister Beatrice, seven, who even braved a dip in the sea. Supermarkets reported booming sales in barbecue food, sunglasses and shorts. Garden centres were busy as the green-fingered took advantage of perfect planting conditions.

Forecasters say the spring heatwave – caused by a solid area of high pressure over Britain – is going to continue. The Met Office’s Helen Chivers said: “We are expecting the warm weather to carry on into next week. We may see a change towards the end of next week with things becoming cooler.†The warm spell has led to rare hoopoes that should be nesting in Spain being sighted in Cornwall and on the Isles of Scilly.

Swallows and sand martins are arriving in good numbers, with brimstone butterflies and bumble bees also on the wing. At Cotehele, a National Trust Tudor mansion in Cornwall, staff were celebrating as the daffodils peaked to coincide perfectly with their annual weekend celebrating the flowers. Senior gardener Aimee Kingdom said: “It will be a fantastic chance to see our historic daffodils, including some varieties which are 200 years old.†While England and Wales have enjoyed the best of the weather, with Porthmadog in North Wales hitting 71.6F – the highest so far this year – weathermen are predicting Scotland will be hottest today, reaching 68F (20C).

http://www.express.c...the-Med-day-sun

Britain soaks up the sun as 21C heatwave hits - and it'll last

BRITAIN is basking in glorious sunshine today – with temperatures soaring to more than DOUBLE the March average.

Thousands of sun-seekers headed for beaches and parks to soak up some rays as the mercury rose above 21C, making the UK hotter than the Costa del Sol and resorts in Portugal. The warmest place in Britain was Swansea, south Wales, where 21.7C was recorded at lunch time - and daytrippers including personal trainer Tara Hammett made the most of it on the sandy beaches Forecaster Paul Mott said temperatures are well in excess of expectations for this time of year, and added the heatwave, caused by high pressure, is expected to continue tomorrow and into next week. He described the current spell of warm weather as "quite unusual" for March, and warned there was no significant rainfall in the drought-affected areas of southern England.

He said: "It's looking fine and warm for much of the coming week. It will last until at least Thursday or Friday and will probably be milder next weekend." Gardeners at Cornish National Trust mansion Cotehele were celebrating today as the peak blossom time of their daffodils has coincided with their annual weekend celebrating the plant. A spokesman said it is the first time in four years they have got their timing perfect for the two-day event. Senior gardener Aimee Kingdom said: "It's a fantastic chance for garden lovers and families to see our wonderful collection of historic daffodils, including some varieties which are 200 years old."

At the National Trust's Cotehele estate in Cornwall, hundreds of people took advantage of the good weather to see more than 150 varieties of daffodils that grow in the grounds of the Tudor house. For the first time in four years the annual daffodil weekend is taking place while the flowers are at their peak and the orchards and gardens at the property near Plymouth was bursting with colours. Vicky Dillon, one of the gardeners at Cotehele, said the Tamar Valley in which the house and gardens are situated has its own microclimate. This has historically made it excellent for growing anything from flowers to soft fruits like strawberries.

He said: "It was very much a market garden industry at one point and a lot of the daffodils were grown for the cut flower industry. "The daffodils were thrown away into the hedgerows at one point in the Second World War when the land was needed for food and they have survived in the hedgerows and woodlands because of that. "We were able to gather a large selection of the daffodils from the estate and preserve them for future generations so people can enjoy them. "A lot of the varieties we have got in the gardens are what I call 'nice and delicate', they are not the big and blousy ones you see now; they are pastel shades, pale colours, very small flowers and they have their own character."

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4216484/Britain-soaks-up-the-sun-as-21C-heatwave-hits-and-itll-last.html

[Summer Sun]

BRITAIN HOTTER THAN MIDDLE EAST AT 75F

BRITISH summertime has got off to a glorious start with temperatures forecast to peak at 75F (24C) today and tomorrow.

As the clocks sprang forward yesterday the country basked in weather warmer than the Middle East. Families crammed on to beaches and picnicked in the parks as blue skies and unbroken sunshine made it feel more like midsummer than spring.

Forecasters at The Weather Channel predict temperatures of 75.2F for Wales and north-east Scotland today and tomorrow. And the fine weather is set to stay for much of this week.

Yesterday a balmy 73F (22.8C) was recorded at Fyvie Castle near Aberdeen – the hottest for Scotland at this time of year for 55 years.

And it was several degrees warmer than Tel Aviv in Israel at 66F (19C) while it was just 64F in Tehran, Iran. Britain is also enjoying better weather than a string of Mediterranean resorts like Cannes, Mallorca or Crete.

But there is still a way to go to beat the March record. That was 78F (25C) at Mepal in Cambridgeshire in 1968.

The glorious sunshine proved to be a boon for resorts round the country with tourism bosses in Blackpool reporting close to 200,000 weekend visitors.

Brighton took deckchairs out of storage as around 120,000 arrived while sunbathers turned up on Bournemouth beach at 7am.

Tens of thousands filled Hyde Park in central London as families enjoyed picnics, while tourists sunbathed on the Natural History Museum’s lawns.

Sales of burgers and sausages boomed as many took advantage of the extra hour’s sunlight to spark up their barbecues. A Bournemouth tourism spokeswoman said: “We get 60,000 visitors on sunny weekends at this time of year, and that’s what we’ve been looking at this weekend. Hotels all reported a rush of last- minute bookings.â€

Some eastern and coastal areas, such as Shoreham in west Sussex, did not quite get the good weather, reporting cloud and mist with a high of 56.7F (13.7C) on Saturday.

Today much of the UK will hit 68F (20C) and Met Office forecaster Rebecca Sherwin said: “We will have very similar weather this week and it could be slightly hotter. Most places will be dry, warm and sunny for the next few days. It will become cooler from Thursday onwards.â€

http://www.express.c...dle-East-at-75F

[Coast]

The unseasonably warm Spring weather is set to continue this week with Scotland enjoying record temperatures for the month of March.

A balmy 22.8C (73F) was recorded at Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire on Sunday, beating the previous March record high of 22.2C (72F) in 1965.

Sky News weather presenter Sarah Pennock says there is more to come. "Scotland could see another March record-breaking weather day if parts of Aberdeenshire top 22.8C (73F)," she said. "Northeast England will see 19-20C (67-68F) with highs being what we would expect in June."

Temperatures are to remain high at the start of this week before falling to a more seasonal average of 11-12C (51-53F) by next weekend. The average this weekend was 17-18C (63-64F). Pennock said: "For central and southern England, Wales and Ireland the fine dry sunny conditions will stay through to the end of the week. "But Scotland will see a change on Wednesday as cloud thickens, a west, northwesterly wind flow will bring light and patchy rain and the temperatures across Scotland will suffer, dropping 10 degrees from Monday to Friday.

"Expect 10-11C (50F) across Scotland on Friday, which is normal for March. "Whilst we can enjoy the sunshine - if this lack of rainfall continues the hose pipe ban will kick in April 5th." After two exceptionally dry winters some rivers and groundwater levels are lower than during 1976 - the hottest year on record.

The South East and East are already in a state of drought, according to the Department for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs.

The Environment Agency says the two regions will need well above average rainfall during the next few months for groundwater levels to recover. Ardingly reservoir in West Sussex and Bewl reservoir in Kent are around two-fifths of their normal levels.

http://news.sky.com/home/uk-news/article/16196269

[Summer Sun]

BALMY! BRITS FLOCK TO BAKING BEACHES

LUCKY Brits will bask in 24C today and tomorrow as temperatures soar to record-breaking highs. Experts say we can look forward to a continued heatwave after the weekend – with Britain as hot as Saudi Arabia. Hundreds of thousands hit the coast on Saturday and Sunday with resorts reporting some of their busiest ever early spring days. Blackpool tourism bosses said the town was as busy as summer, with 200,000 weekend visitors.

Brighton took deckchairs out of storage as 120,000 hit the beach, while sunbathers turned out from 7am on Bournemouth’s sands. Up to 60,000 visitors came to the resort, twice as many as expected, giving hoteliers an early windfall. The Met Office, which described temperatures as “exceptionalâ€, said the mercury hit 22.8C in Aberdeenshire yesterday – Scotland’s highest- ever March temperature.

Government weathermen predict peaks above 22C today and The Weather Channel forecast up to 24C for Wales and north-east Scotland tomorrow. The Met Office expects temperatures in the 20s each day until Friday, when they will finally drop. Weather Channel meteorologist Leon Brown said: “South-easterly winds mean west and north-west Wales will be hot spots, with 23C or 24C on Tuesday. “Scotland’s March record will be broken by Tuesday, with 23C in Aberdeenshire.â€

Temperatures were hotter than every March in the Met Office’s monthly records, which go back to 2001. The UK’s warmest temperature ever recorded in March is 25.6C, at Mepal, Cambs, on March 29, 1968. Despite being late March, William Hill has seen a surge in its 100F [37.7C] betting and has trimmed the price from 10-1 to 8-1. The bookie also revealed it is offering 12-1 that the temperature will hit 100F during the London Olympics.

Hill’s spokesman Rupert Adams, said: “The unseasonably hot weather has sparked what we believe is the earliest gamble on temperatures breaking 100F in the history of weather betting.†water companies set up hosepipe hotlines for people to grass up those breaking the water ban. Around 22million people across the south and east will be barred from using hosepipes from April 5, with offenders facing £1,000 fines. Thames, Southern and South East water firms used hotlines during the 2006 ban, which led a flood of calls and thousands of warnings.

http://www.dailystar...baking-beaches/

Holding on to the good weather: Britain set to bask in sunshine until Wednesday (but then it's back to normal at the weekend)

For those who feared the weekend’s glorious weather would disappear as soon as it arrived, there's good news. We’ve got at least three more days of beautiful sunshine ahead of us.
The Met Office predicts highs of up to 21C (70f) across the country for today, tomorrow and Wednesday. It comes after Scotland recorded its highest temperature for March since 1965, yesterday. A scorching 22.8C (73F) was recorded at Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire yesterday, beating the high of 22.2C (72F) in 1965. The rest of Britain enjoyed temperatures higher than those recorded in Cannes and Crete.

But forecasters urged sun seekers to make the most of it because by the weekend temperatures will be back to a more seasonal average of 11-12C (51-53F). They predict chilly starts followed by sunshine and highs of 21C in both the North and the South over the next few days. The Environment Agency says it has been the driest March since records began and hosepipe bans are due in many areas from April 5. A spokesman said: ‘What we really need is a prolonged period of rainfall.' The dry weather has also caused some major forest fires across the country with firefighters warning the parched countryside is fast becoming a tinderbox waiting to explode into flames.

In the latest incident, exhausted crews said this morning the had won their fight to control flames sweeping across the beautiful Ashdown Forest in Sussex. More than fifty acres of woodland ignited in the Kings Standing area near Brighton yesterday. It took eight fire engines plus six Land Rovers from East Sussex Fire and Rescue to tackle the blaze. It broke out at around 1.45pm as hundreds of families descended on the forest to enjoy picnics and rambles.

http://www.dailymail...al-weekend.html

Sun, sea...it’s 73°

THOUSANDS of Brits took to the seaside yesterday to enjoy record-breaking heat. But the hottest place was SCOTLAND where the mercury reached 22.8° C (73° F) at Fyvie Castle, near Aberdeen – its highest March temperature for 47 years. Some parts of the UK also enjoyed their hottest day for 22 years — with many being warmer than Majorca. The Met Office's Rebecca Sherwin said: "It is remarkably hot in places."

But fog kept temperatures low on coasts in Kent, East Anglia and Yorkshire. London reached 14° C (57° F). It will stay warm until Thursday.

http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage/news/4218710/Sun-seaits-73.html

[rob48]

Apparently this constant high pressure and clear blue skies are wonderful:

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-cambridgeshire-17476597

I'll have to keep reminding myself.

[Coast]

Britons bask in record warm weather

Scotland basked in the warmest ever March 26 as temperatures reached a new record.

The mercury rose to 22.9C (73.2F) in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire. This set a new "date record" for the UK, making it the warmest March 26 since records began. Other places in Aberdeenshire also enjoyed unseasonably warm temperatures, with Aviemore registering 22.3C (72.1F) and Braemar 22C (71.6F).

They were warmer than more southerly parts of Europe such as Barcelona, Nice, Majorca and Faro. The temperature at Aboyne beat a new Scottish record set on Sunday when the mercury reached 22.8C (73F) at Fyvie Castle in Aberdeenshire. Sally Webb, meteorologist at MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "These temperatures should continue through Tuesday and Wednesday with a drop starting in the north, including Scotland, on Thursday."

Fire services across Scotland dealt with numerous grass fires as the country basked in warm, dry weather. Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue warned people to be particularly vigilant while outdoors to protect themselves against fire. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Billy Wilson added: "We would ask members of the public to ensure that no unnecessary burning of garden waste or rubbish is carried out in periods of very dry weather, such as we are experiencing at present, particularly when windy. If in doubt, please 'Don't start a fire'."

http://www.google.co...81332789620733A

[Methuselah]

How odd?? I thought that Aviemore was in Badenoch and Strathspey....

[Coast]

Warm weather set to continue

Britons will enjoy another day of unseasonably warm weather after temperatures reached a new record.

Yesterday was the warmest March 26 on record - with the mercury hitting 22.9C (73.2F) in Aboyne, Aberdeenshire - and forecasters predict a similar picture today. Lindsay Dovey, of MeteoGroup, the weather division of the Press Association, said: "Today will be dry and sunny, with clear blue skies across the whole of the UK. "Temperatures will be similar to yesterday and we could see another 22C (71.6F) in Aberdeenshire."

The hottest March 27 was in 1926 when 22.8C (73.04F) was noted in West Witton, North Yorkshire, while the highest recorded temperature in March was 25C (77F), most recently seen on March 29, 1968. Other places in Aberdeenshire also enjoyed unseasonably warm temperatures yesterday, with Aviemore registering 22.3C (72.1F) and Braemar 22C (71.6F). They were warmer than more southerly parts of Europe such as Barcelona, Nice, Majorca and Faro. South of the border Otterbourne in Hampshire was the warmest place at 21.4C (70.5F), followed by Porthmadog in Wales at 21.1C (69.9F). Central London enjoyed temperatures of 19C (66.2F).

The resort of Weybourne, Norfolk, was one of the few places to experience average temperatures for the time of year with a low of 9.5C (49.1F). Manston in Kent also followed the trend for cooler weather on the South East coast with a temperature of 12.1 C (52.8F). Such temperatures are predicted to continue tomorrow, with a drop starting in the north on Thursday. Ms Dovey said: "Tomorrow will be dry and sunny again, but there will be some cloud in northernmost Scotland, as well as patchy drizzle.

"That cloud will start to move further south tomorrow night. By Thursday much of northern and western Scotland will have drizzle but everywhere else will be dry and fine. "Friday will be cloudy across northernmost and western Scotland, Northern Ireland and parts of north-west England and most of North Wales. "Saturday is when temperatures will really start to drop. We're looking at 9C (48.2F) to 12C (53.6F) across most of the UK."

Fire services across Scotland dealt with numerous grass fires as the country basked in warm, dry weather. Highlands & Islands Fire & Rescue warned people to be particularly vigilant whilst outdoors to protect themselves against fire. Deputy Assistant Chief Officer Billy Wilson added: "We would ask members of the public to ensure that no unnecessary burning of garden waste or rubbish is carried out in periods of very dry weather, such as we are experiencing at present, particularly when windy. If in doubt, please don't start a fire."

http://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/home-news/warm-weather-set-to-continue-7592871.html

[rob48]

Another spin-off from the high-pressure that some posters are so fond of:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2120988/Scorched-earth-smoke-surrounds-Welsh-town-arsonists-sparks-hill-fire.html

They must be well pleased.

[Methuselah]

Those toe rags always appear when the rain stays away...