Jump to content
Snow?
Local
Radar
Cold?
IGNORED

Weather in the general media (Newspaper features etc)


Recommended Posts

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Barbecues at the ready! Britain to bask in glorious sunshine all weekend with Sunday set to be the hottest day of the year so far as temperatures soar to 21C (while Spain makes do with just 16C)

  • [*]Britain set to bask in sunshine as weather takes turn for a better - with Sunday due to be hottest day of year so far [*]Warm weather means country will be hotter than various holiday destinations, such as Spain, Greece and Morocco [*]But forecasters warn hot temperatures will be dampened by showery rain, clouds and cool breeze in parts of UK [*]Comes just a day after freezing temperatures were reported in Devon - with up to three inches of snow on ground

It might have only just turned Spring, but Summer appears to be on its way already - as temperatures are set to soar to a staggering 21C. Britain is preparing to bask in glorious sunshine as the weather takes a turn for the better - with Sunday forecast to be the hottest day of the year so far. The warm, sunny weather means the country will be hotter than the likes of various holiday destinations, including Spain, Greece and even Morocco. But forecasters have warned the hot temperatures will be dampened by showery rain, clouds and a cool breeze - particularly in the North East and South West of England.  Meteorologist Emma Corrigan, of The Met Office, said: 'Most areas of the country will see hazy sunshine and temperatures of up to 19C developing throughout the day, with showery rain here and there across the South West of England.

 

'On Sunday, Britain could potentially see temperatures of 20 or maybe even 21 degrees celsius. This is particularly likely in London and the Midlands. 'This year's highest temperatures of 20.5C was recorded in Gravesend, Kent, on March 9. So there is definitely potential for tomorrow to become the hottest day of the year so far.'  She added: 'But the North East of England and areas of East Scotland - especially along the coast - will be a bit cooler with clouds and patchy drizzle.' If they meet expectations, the warm temperatures will beat the likes of Spain, which is forecast to see temperatures around the 16/17C mark, and Greece, which is predicted to drop as low as 15C tomorrow.  They will even be higher than Morocco, which is forecast to see highs of just 16C today. However, temperatures in the North African country are set to soar to a warmer - albeit, still cooler than Britain - 20C on Sunday.

 

A pale yellow sun was captured burning away mist on Upton Dyke in the Norfolk Broads this morning -  just 24 hours after freezing temperatures were reported in Devon, with up to three inches of snow blanketing houses, cars and the ground. The unseasonably warm temperatures are also a stark contrast to March 2013, which was revealed as the second coldest on record following weeks of icy conditions, heavy snows and cold temperatures. This year's higher temperatures have tricked some of our most beautiful flowers and trees into blossoming early. Most plants stop growing when day and night time temperatures fall below 6C (43F) or 4C (39F). Despite the devastating floods up until last month, the average temperature was 5.2C (41.4F) throughout winter across Britain – making it the fifth warmest winter since records began in 1910. Because the soil is far warmer than usual, plants have begun their spring growth early. Summer bluebells, which normally form carpets of blue in May, are already flowering, while gardens are now full of colour from blooming tulips, peach blossom, blackthorn and the May tree – which usually only erupts into white flowers in time for May Day.

 

The Woodland Trust, which collects sightings of blossom each year for its Nature’s Calendar project, has already had 14 reports of bluebells in Berkeley, Gloucestershire; Colchester in Essex and as far north as Hexham in County Durham. Dr Kate Lewthwaite, project manager of the Woodland Trust’s Nature’s Calendar, said yesterday: ‘Spring is well and truly on its way.’

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2592168/Britain-bask-glorious-sunshine-weekend-Sunday-set-hottest-day-year-far.html

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: South Yorkshire
  • Location: South Yorkshire

Why the hell would I want to get the barbeque out? Today is fast becoming a futile exercise in keeping the hideousness and light of outdoors firmly where it belongs - and I've only been up for two hours. Wish I could sleep 'til October.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Weather: UK Will Be Warmer Than Corfu

 

Britain will be warmer than Ibiza, Corfu and Cyprus next week as temperatures reach 21C, forecasters say. Parts of Britain, including London, will hit 20C tomorrow and 21C on Monday, making it hotter than much of the Mediterranean.  It means plenty of time in the sun as the clocks go forward an hour for the start of British Summer Time (BST) overnight tonight. Much of the UK will enjoy warm weather tomorrow and for the week ahead as hot air from the continent spreads north. Sky's weather producer Joanna Robinson said: "South-easterly winds will continue to draw in warm air from the near continent over the next few days. "Temperatures will widely reach 14 to 18C across the UK and Ireland, with 21C possible across south-east England.

 

"There'll be plenty of hazy sunshine, but there'll be an increasing risk of heavy, sometimes thundery, showers next week. Wales, western England, Northern Ireland and the Republic look most at risk of those. "Not everywhere will get the fine, warm weather. Eastern Scotland and north-east England will be murky and cool, typically from Lincolnshire northwards. "Onshore winds over a cool North Sea will bring sea fog and damp conditions inland at times. "Temperatures will be much lower along the coast and in the fog, peaking at just 7 or 8C." The weather is being driven by hot air currently over the Low Countries. Belgium and the Netherlands are forecast to have temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius on Monday. Temperatures in London are forecast to be 21C on Monday, hotter than Corfu (18C), Ibiza (18C) and Nicosia in Cyprus (19C)

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1234006/weather-uk-will-be-warmer-than-corfu

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

UK weather set to be warmer than Spain's

 

Britain is due to be warmer than Spain next week as temperatures reach 21C. London will hit 20C tomorrow and 21C on Monday, making it hotter than Madrid, the Balearic Islands and the French Riviera. The warm weather follows snowfalls in hilly areas of England on Friday morning that left parts of country, including Devon and Cumbria, with a covering of snow. Clocks go forward an hour for the start of British summer time on Saturday night, meaning an extra 60 minutes in the sun on Sunday. Much of the UK will bask in warm weather for the best part of the week ahead as hot air from the continent spreads north, according to forecaster Rachel Vince. "We are in for a bit of a mild spell over the next few days. It will be nice for most of the country," she said.

 

In Coventry, however, there were thunderstorms and a funnel cloud at the city's airport that could have developed into a tornado if it had touched down. Other parts of the country will feel less of the balmy spring weather in the next week. Eastern Scotland and the north-east of England will see some misty spells, with Edinburgh set to reach only 12C on Monday. Temperatures are forecast to be 14C in Belfast and 17C in Cardiff. Some western parts could see thundery showers on Monday.

 

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2014/mar/29/uk-weather-set-to-be-warmer-than-spain

UK weather: Britain hotter than Barcelona this weekend as temperatures reach 19.7C

 

Bring out the deckchairs as British Summer Time will bring a warm weekend with sizzling temperatures reaching 21C. Londoners are cracking out the sun cream already as the capital heats up with clear skies on Saturday afternoon. So far the hottest temperature has been recorded in St James' Park at the centre of the capital with a clear 19.7C. Meanwhile those holidaying in Barcelona are likely to see showers and temperatures of only 13C. Weather experts say warm air has been pushed up from south east Europe and is responsible for the sudden jump in sunshine. A Met Office spokesperson told Mirror Online: "Today many parts of England and eastern parts of Wales have seen a dry day with plenty of hazy sunshine about with much warmer temperatures than we've seen this past week. "So far the highest temperatures in the UK is 19.7C at St James' Park in London.

 

"The reason for this is we've had a flow of air come up from the south east of the continent and that has brought in this warmer air we have seen. "That is going to stay with us in to tomorrow and potentially similar places on Sunday will see a mostly dry day with hazy spells of sunshine up to 21C. "Throughout the rest of the UK in the midlands and up towards North Wales may see up to 20C." Commuters may need their umbrellas back on Monday though, as rain is forecast throughout the country. The spokesperson added: "Things become a bit more showery into next week but we'll hold on to the warm temperatures where we'll see sunny spells in between.

 

http://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/uk-weather-britain-hotter-barcelona-3299022

Edited by Summer Sun
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Britain set to be warmer than Spain

 

Britain is due to be warmer than mainland Spain and Ibiza next week as temperatures here reach 21C (70F), forecasters said. London will hit 20C (68F) tomorrow and 21C (70F) on Monday, making it hotter than Madrid (17C), the Balearic Islands (18C) and the French Riviera (16C-17C), Meteogroup said. It means plenty of time in the sun as the clocks go forward an hour for the start of British Summer Time (BST) overnight tonight. Much of the UK will bask in warm weather tomorrow and for much of the week ahead as hot air from the continent spreads north, according to senior forecaster Rachel Vince. She said: "We are in for a bit of a mild spell over the next few days. "It will be nice for most of the country."

 

However, some parts of the UK will feel less of the balmy spring weather into the week ahead Eastern Scotland and the north east of England will see some misty spells, with Edinburgh set to only reach 12C (53F) on Monday. But it will be warmer in Belfast (14C/57F) and Cardiff (17C/62F). And some western parts could see thundery showers on Monday caused by the warm air. The weather is being driven by hot air currently over the Low Countries, Ms Vince said. Belgium and the Netherlands are forecast to have temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius on Monday.

 

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/britain-set-warmer-spain-151824366.html#CmD0LN8

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Hotter than Spain: Beautiful sunrise over River Thames with London set to bask in 20C temperatures today

  • [*]London will hit 20C (68F) today and 21C (70F) tomorrow, making it hotter than Madrid (17C/63F) [*]Plenty of time in sun as clocks went forward an hour for start of British Summer Time overnight [*]But Eastern Scotland and North East will see misty spells, and Edinburgh will be 12C tomorrow

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2592637/UK-weather-Beautiful-sunrise-River-Thames-London-set-bask-20C-temperatures-today.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Hotter than Spain! Spring really is here as temperatures hit 20C in the south of England

  • [*]London hits 20C (68F) today and 21C (70F) tomorrow, making it hotter than Madrid (17C/63F) [*]Plenty of time in sun as clocks went forward an hour for start of British Summer Time overnight [*]But Eastern Scotland and North East will see misty spells, and Edinburgh will be 12C tomorrow

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2592637/UK-weather-Beautiful-sunrise-River-Thames-London-set-bask-20C-temperatures-today.html

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Fog on the Tyne as the North-East shivers while the rest of the UK enjoys the sun

 

THE North-East has missed out on a weekend of sunshine, as thick fog rolled across parts of the region. While the rest of the UK basked in balmy spring temperatures and clear skies, parts of the North-East endured a cold, grey weekend. The famous landmarks of the River Tyne, in Newcastle, were almost obscured by thick fog this morning (Sunday), which took much of the day to clear, although parts of North Yorkshire were lucky enough to see some sunshine.

 

Although temperatures struggled to reach double figures here, the sunny weather in the south of England meant conditions were better than Ibiza or mainland Spain. London was the hottest part of the country, with temperatures reaching a maximum of 20.4C (68.7F), according to the Met Office. The forecast for tomorrow (Monday) does not look much better, with heavy rain expected for much of the day.

 

http://www.thenorthernecho.co.uk/news/local/darlington/11112991.Fog_on_the_Tyne_as_the_North_East_shivers_while_the_rest_of_the_UK_enjoys_the_sun/

Edited by Summer Sun
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

69F! What a start to Summer Time as yesterday was the hottest day of the year so far

 

IT WAS the hottest day of the year so far yesterday as parts of the country basked in temperatures warmer than mainland Spain. The mercury rose to 69.6F (20.9C) at St James’s Park in central London, the highest anywhere in Britain. But while many in the South flocked to the beach and coastal regions to enjoy the warm weather, those up North were feeling left out. Thick fog engulfed much of the North-east. Landmarks such as the Angel of the North and the Tyne Bridge disappeared under a veil of thick fog with temperatures reaching only 42.8F. The damper weather was due to the breeze coming off the North Sea and is unlikely to change over the next few days, experts say.

 

For many, though, the first day of British Summer Time allowed them to experience temperatures hotter than holiday destinations abroad. According to weather forecaster MeteoGroup, London was hotter than the Spanish capital Madrid and the French Riviera, both at 62.5F, and the Balearic Islands 64.5F. Glorious weather in recent weeks means much of the country has been sunnier than average, with some places nearly 4F warmer than usual. The balmy spring conditions are in stark contrast to February and the end of the wettest winter in almost 250 years.

 

Met Office experts believe early indications from national weather data hint at March being an above average month for many parts of Britain. The good news is the temperatures are expected to last well into next week, although some areas could experience April showers and thunderstorms. Met Office forecaster Emma Sharples said: “We have already seen, for much of the UK, that places have reached or exceeded sunshine averages for March, apart from parts of Northern Ireland and Western Scotland.†Today is set to be 68F and sunny in the South, with a maximum of 55F in the North. Ms Sharples said: “It is looking like a bit of a mixed bag. "It is showery but not in the normal way we would expect for this time of year. “We can say fairly safely that it is going to stay warm the further East you are in the country, apart from the North-east where it is going to remain cloudy and cool.â€

 

The warm weather is a welcome relief for Britain’s plants and animals, said Matthew Oates, wildlife adviser for the National Trust. He said: “We have just suffered one of the most miserable winters ever – the wettest on record, if one of the mildest. "The weather owes us, and nature, a great spring.†Bookies now have odds of 10-1 for Easter being the hottest ever. William Hill said: “The current odds suggest we could see records ­broken.â€

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/467820/Summer-Time-is-here-as-yesterday-was-the-hottest-day-of-the-year-so-far

Edited by Summer Sun
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Welcome to British Summer Time! Week ahead is set to be a scorcher

 

A SIZZLING Mothering Sunday will give way to a scorching week, forecasters revealed last night. The UK was as hot as Florida yesterday as the clocks went forward to mark the start of British Summer Time while kids revelled in the sun with ice creams. Thousands travelled to the coast to make the most of the warmer weather as the mercury hit 20.9C in London. And sunseekers in Cotley, Somerset, were greeted by the unusual sight of camel racing. Competitors dressed up as Lawrence of Arabia before racing the animals at 25mph to raise cash for charity. Orlando, in Florida, was also 20C yesterday while beach resorts in Majorca, Athens and Tunisia were cooler than Britain. Highs of 21C are predicted for today and 20C for tomorrow. Rachel Vince, senior forecaster from MeteoGroup, said: “We are in for a bit of a mild spell over the next few days. “It will be nice for most of the country.†She added that the weather is being driven by hot air over the Netherlands.

 

Emma Sharples, a Met Office forecaster, said: “Temperatures have been between 18-20C which is well above the average for March which is between 12-14C. “There is a low pressure to the west but high pressure from the east is not allowing it to come in and instead we have this warmer and drier air from the continent.†Former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams blamed human behaviour for climate change. Writing in a Sunday paper Dr Williams, 63, said: “Rich industrialised countries, including our own, have unquestionably contributed most to atmospheric pollution. “Both our present lifestyle and the industrial history of how we created such possibilities for ourselves are responsible for pushing the environment towards crisis.â€

 

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/372185/Welcome-to-British-Summer-Time-Week-ahead-is-set-to-be-a-scorcher

 
  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Weather: Britons Bask In Warmest Day Of Year

 

Britons enjoyed the warmest temperatures of the year so far on Mother's Day - and the good weather is likely to remain over the coming days, forecasters say. Parts of Britain hit almost 21C on Sunday. St James's Park in London and Santon Downham in Norfolk were the hottest parts of the country, with the mercury reaching 20.9C. The previous high was 20.5C in Gravesend, Kent on March 9. Temperatures are expected to be the same today, making it hotter than much of the Mediterranean, including Corfu (18C), Ibiza (18C) and Nicosia in Cyprus (19C). Sky's Weather Producer Joanna Robinson said: "South-easterly winds will continue to draw in warm air from the near continent over the next few days.

 

"Temperatures will widely reach 14 to 18C across the UK and Ireland, with 21C possible across southeast England. "There'll be plenty of hazy sunshine, but there'll be an increasing risk of heavy, sometimes thundery, showers next week. Wales, western England, Northern Ireland and the Republic look most at risk of those. "Not everywhere will get the fine, warm weather. Eastern Scotland and northeast England will be murky and cool, typically from Lincolnshire northwards. "Onshore winds over a cool North Sea will bring sea fog and damp conditions inland at times. "Temperatures will be much lower along the coast and in the fog, peaking at just 7 or 8C."

 

http://news.sky.com/story/1234006/weather-britons-bask-in-warmest-day-of-year

  • Like 1
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Here comes the sun... and we'll be warmer than Spain: Temperatures set to hit 20C again today and it's going to last all week

  • [*]London hit 20C (68F) yesterday and 21C (70F) today, making it hotter than Madrid (17C/63F) [*]Plenty of time in sun as clocks went forward an hour for start of British Summer Time [*]But Eastern Scotland and North East will see misty spells, and Edinburgh will be 12C today

This time last year we were struggling through blizzards… but today Britain is expected to be hotter than Spain. Temperatures climbed to a summery 20.9C (69.6F) in the South East yesterday and today is expected to be almost as hot. That is compared to Madrid, where it is set to be a mere 14C (57F) and 18C (64F) in Ibiza. There will be sunshine nationwide for most of the day, although some areas will have a shower or two.  The balmy spell is driven by tropical winds arriving from Africa, making temperatures across the UK higher than average for this time of year. The sun is set to last all week, but if you are already imagining hitting the beach this weekend, dispel that daydream. It is expected to cool down before Saturday.

 

John Lee, Meteogroup forecaster, said: ‘It’s looking fairly mild over the next week.’ As the clocks moved forward an hour for British Summer Time yesterday, temperatures exceeded 20C (68F) in many areas.  St James’s Park in London and Santon Downham in Norfolk were the hottest parts of Britain, reaching 20.9C (69.6F), according to MeteoGroup. The previous highest temperature so far this year was 20.5C (68.9F) in Gravesend, Kent, on March 9. In the Balearic Islands yesterday it was 18C (64F) and 16C (60F) in the French Riviera. In Bournemouth, a sea breeze brought the thermometer down to 16C (60F) but that did not stop thousands of sunseekers from flocking to the coast.

 

Sarah Gorment, 43, from Southampton, was on the beach with her family. She said: ‘The roads were very busy getting here today but the rewards have been worth it because it is beautiful and sunny. ‘I remember what last March was like and how cold it was but this year it feels more like summer.’ In late March last year, Britain was shivering in snow and temperatures fell to minus10C (14F). There were drifts as high as 4ft in the North and 20,000 homes lost power.

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2592637/UK-weather-Beautiful-sunrise-River-Thames-London-set-bask-20C-temperatures-today.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Camborne
  • Location: Camborne

METO NEWS BLOG

 

Red dust covering cars in the south this weekend was blown in from the Sahara Desert.  A large amount of sand and dust was swept up by storm winds in the desert, around 2000 miles away in northwest Africa. The airborne particles were blown north to the UK where they combined with our warm air and were deposited during showers.

 

Paul Hutcheon at the Met Office said “We usually see this happen several times a year when big dust storms in the Sahara coincide with southerly winds to bring that dust here. More dust rain is possible during showers expected later this week.â€

 

Saharan dust is lifted by strong winds and can reach very high altitudes; from there it can be transported worldwide by winds, covering distances of thousands of kilometers. The dust gets caught in rain droplets in clouds, falling to the ground in rain. When the water evaporates, a thin layer of dust is left on surfaces, like cars. It can also lead to vivid sunsets.

 

Generally winds of more than 20 miles per hour are needed to lift sand at the Saharan Desert has been experiencing some gale force winds (over 40 miles per hour).

 

Saharan dust is also a contributing factor to air quality in addition to pollution levels and weather conditions.

 

http://metofficenews.wordpress.com/2014/03/31/storm-in-sahara-sends-dust-to-uk/

post-12275-0-09449000-1396278873_thumb.j

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

'Ladies and gentlemen, you may have noticed we were hit by lightning': Pilot's calm announcement as plane is struck by THREE bolts at once

  • [*]Flight from Amsterdam to Birmingham was hit by lightning on Friday [*]Passengers heard a 'massive bang' - but the plane landed as normal [*]Woman photographing the storm caught a picture of one bolt striking [*]The aircraft's captain only told passengers afterwards what had happened

A bright flash of light and booming noises in a cramped seat thousands of feet in the air would be enough to put off even the most hardened fliers. But passengers landing at Birmingham airport on Friday afternoon were led by example as their captain coolly steered them through three lightning blasts and left it until afterwards to calmly explain what happened. Passengers spoke of a 'massive bang' as one of the bolts struck the body of the KLM service from Amsterdam, but the blasts had no effect on the landing, which proceeded as normal to touch down at 4.30pm.

 

And after the plane, a Boeing 737, had touched down on the runway, the captain confirmed to his passengers that the service had been hit, saying simply: 'Ladies and gentlemen, you may have noticed we were hit by lightning.' Tony Everitt, 51, was one of 174 passengers on board the flight, from which ominous 'dark skies' could be seen just before the first bolt struck. The businessman, who was returning from a conference, said: 'It was incredible - there was one massive bang. Only moments before, I’d noticed the dark skies and told a passenger sitting next to me that I was surprised there was no thunder and lightning.

 

'After the bang, my initial thought was the engine had blown-up. Surprisingly, it wasn’t frightening, it was exciting. 'You are waiting for something else to happen, then you realise nothing has gone wrong.'

The picture of the plane, caught up in the centre of several branches of a lightning bolt, was taken by Tracy Meakin White, 42, who was watching the storm. She said: 'I didn’t even see the plane at first, I was just clicking on my phone and then afterwards I saw the aircraft. 'I think it is a once in a lifetime picture, I doubt I will see anything like that again, I am not a photographer, it was just a stroke of luck I got the shot.' A statement from KLM said: 'Occasionally aircraft is hit multiple times by lightning. All pilots and air crew are trained to deal with this.' A spokesman for Birmingham Airport said: 'All aircraft landed safely without incident on Friday afternoon.'

 

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2593322/Ladies-gentlemen-noticed-hit-lightning-Pilots-calm-announcement-plane-stuck-THREE-bolts-once.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Flights cancelled as thick fog shrouds Britain and brings chaos to airports...but temperatures are set to hit 20C and there's plenty more warm weather on the way this week

  • [*]
Some 85 flights cancelled at London Heathrow by 10am and disruption is also reported at Cardiff Airport [*]Woman and dog rescued after becoming cut off by rising tide in thick fog on beach in Ryde, Isle of Wight [*]Fog and low cloud this morning will thin and break for sun, although North Sea coasts may see fog linger [*]It will be warm inland, while the south coast remains cooler - and the warmest part of UK will be London [*]Later in the day, a few showers will push into the south-west with the risk of a few rumbles of thunder [*]Tomorrow and Thursday, heavy showers or longer spells of rain will push north across western parts

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2594008/Foggy-start-Britain-country-prepares-20C-temperatures.html

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Camborne
  • Location: Camborne

Forecasters crack formula to predict long-range weather

 

Extreme winters will be predicted with greater reliability than before after the world’s best long-term weather forecast model was developed by British scientists, the Met Office said.

 

The breakthrough may have a substantial impact on the economy, allowing power companies and wind farms to anticipate energy demands while airports and councils can estimate how much grit and anti-freeze is likely to be required.

 

 

Results from the new model, due to be published in the journal Geophysical Research Letters, suggest that for winter at least forecasters have overcome some of the challenges of making predictions up to three months ahead.

 

Scientists say that the breakthrough is due to an increase in computing power, which allowed them to zoom in to a greater detail, from a grid of 80km (50 miles) in the sea and atmosphere, to a resolution of 20km (12 miles) in the sea and 50km (31 miles) in the atmosphere.

 

This means that they can take into account much smaller changes in the Gulf Stream and Arctic sea ice coverage that can have powerful impacts on the British climate.

 

Full story

http://www.thetimes.co.uk/tto/science/article4051876.ece

 

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Costa del Britain! Heatwave will reach new hights

 

THE mini-heatwave will hit new heights today, with temperatures the hottest of the year so far. Parts of the UK will continue to bask in scorching sun as a 23C belter makes us warmer than Spain. It comes after a mixed bag of weather yesterday when some areas toasted and others were shrouded in fog. The dense mist caused travel chaos as hundreds of flights were cancelled or delayed at Heathrow Airport in west London, as well as at Cardiff Airport. But most parts of the south-east bathed in glorious 20C heat and they will stay warm for the entire week, according to forecasters. Met Office spokesman Dan Williams said: “We may see the hottest temperatures of the year in the next day or so, probably in the south-east, but there will also be some showers in northern and western parts of the country.â€

 

Bookies Ladbrokes are now offering odds of 8-1 that Easter weekend in a fortnight will be the hottest on record. There could also be a repeat this week of the Saharan rain that left a thin layer of desert sand over much of Britain on Sunday night. Mr Williams added: “Our global weather team here have said we could get more of the Saharan rain because there are more dust storms expected in the Sahara over coming days.â€Temperatures may drop slightly into the mid-teens tomorrow and Friday, but will stay well above the average 11C for the time of year. And there is a possibility of more fog on Friday night.

 

The weekend will be unsettled with outbreaks of rain on Saturday, while Sunday will see cloud and rain over the west and north. But Brits can still flock to beaches in the south and east with the thermometer expected to nudge 17C. Early next week will become colder with showers, but then it will turn fine with temperatures set to rise for the Easter weekend.

 

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/372502/UK-is-set-for-new-heatwave-of-23C

 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Extreme cold or Sahara summers: World's best long-range weather forecast formula developed

 

METEOROLOGISTS are set to get a helping hand when it comes to predicting the weather after British scientists developed a new formula for long-range forecasts. The breakthrough will allow forecasters to accurately predict the weather months ahead and could positively influence the economy. Airports, hospitals, energy firms and insurance companies will now have advanced warning of weather conditions allowing them to prepare for every eventuality. Until now, predicting the weather far into the future has been difficult with even the largest super-computers struggling on accuracy. This latest discovery however, which simulates the climate on a more detailed scale is shown to be 62 per cent accurate at giving broad predictions. Met Office scientists have claimed this will rise to 80 per cent accuracy as they coordinate their findings.

 

Adam Scaife, who leads the Met Office's monthly to decadal predictions told The Times: "This will have enormous benefits for the economy and society, and mean that planners can prepare well ahead for winter." The discovery comes after the Met Office were left red-faced over its seasonal predictions as it claimed that this winter would be "drier than normal" only for Britain to experience the wettest conditions in modern history. The new model is due to be published in the journal of Geophysical Research Letters and will take into account much smaller changes in the Gulf Stream and in Arctic Sea ice coverage which have huge implications for Britain's weather.

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/468241/Weather-latest-World-s-best-long-range-weather-forecast-formula-developed

 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

How accurate long-range weather forecasts will change British life

 

The Met office will soon be able to accurately predict the weather months in advance. So Test matches can be declared a draw a year before. And rash purchases of barbecues at Easter will be a thing of the past A new and more detailed British weather forecast model, made possible by increases in computing power, will allow the Met office to make accurate long-range predictions for the first time. Meterologists' forecasts for upcoming seasons are now only a slight improvement on chance, but when the model is fully functioning, it could offer up to 80% accuracy. While knowing the weather of the future won't make it any nicer, there will nevertheless be enormous benefits for both society and the economy. Here are just a few:

  • • Long-range shipping forecasts could help to protect fishermen crossing the Somerset Levels.
  • • Newspapers will be able to write scare stories about hosepipe bans months in advance.
  • • Highly detailed UK weather predictions for the next five years could be published in order to deter immigration.
  • • Test matches can be declared a draw up to six months ahead of time.
  • • Once the warmest and sunniest fortnight of the coming British summer can be established during the previous winter, we can all tell Ryanair CEO Michael O'Leary to stuff his effing carry-on restrictions.
  • • The foolish optimism that leads people to buy new barbecues on Easter Monday will be quashed for ever.
  • • Glastonbury festival planners will realise they need to invest in a roof, like Wimbledon.
  • • The stretch of Devon coast incorporating Torquay, Paignton and Brixham will now know in which seasons to use the motto the English Riviera in promotional materials, and when to switch to the English Scotland.
  • • Tiresome conversations about the weather can now be had early: "Well, that's the coming winter for you"; "This rain can't go on for ever, just another 11 weeks"; "See you next summer, in four years' time."
  • • People who hate picnics can now schedule them to coincide with future thunderstorms.
  • • Long-range climate mapping could give rise to a whole new leisure industry: flood tourism.

http://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/shortcuts/2014/apr/02/how-accurate-long-range-weather-forecasts-change-british-life

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

KILLER SMOG: Asthma attacks skyrocket as toxic misery hits MILLIONS

 

SMOG was last night blamed for a surge in the number of people ­suffering health problems, including potentially deadly asthma attacks.Doctors warned patients with breathing problems to stay indoors until the toxic fug has passed and take “urgent action†if they feel ill. Experts said the last three days could be a taste of things to come with pollution levels set to rocket over the next few years. Swathes of the country woke up under a thick grey veil of mist for the third day ­yesterday as weathermen warned it could be next week before it clears completely. Charity Asthma UK warned of the “serious and widespread impact†on people with the potentially fatal condition. It said a third of the country’s 5.4 million sufferers have had an attack since the smog set in on Tuesday, with 84 per cent having to use their inhaler more often. Chief executive Kay Boycott said: “We know from previous research that two-thirds of people with asthma find that air pollution makes their asthma worse.“This new data demonstrates that the current high levels of air pollution are having a significant impact on the health and quality of life of people with asthma and that they need to take urgent action to stay safe. “Asthma can be very serious. It takes the lives of three people every day so we want to do all we can to help people minimise their risk of a potentially life-threatening attackâ€.The London Ambulance Service reported a 14 per cent rise in emergency calls on Wednesday at the peak of the crisis with the phones still ringing off the hook yesterday. West Midlands Ambulance Service confirmed it had experienced an increase in breathing and chest-pain related call-outs of around 100 a day since Monday. The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) issued maximum “very high†pollution forecasts for yesterday morning for the second day in a row. By the end of the day greater London had hit very high levels with moderate to high air particle content across virtually the whole of England.Public Health England repeated its warnings that people with health problems, especially heart and lung defects, should avoid exercise and stay indoors. Dr Sotiris Vardoulakis, head of air pollution and climate change, said: “Some parts of the country have recorded very high levels of air pollution and PHE is urging people in those areas to reduce physical exertion, particularly outdoors, especially if they experience symptoms such as a cough or sore throat. “Adults and children with lung problems, adults with heart problems and older people in areas where high levels are recorded should avoid strenuous physical activity. “People with asthma may find they need to use their inhaler more often. “Anyone experiencing discomfort such as sore eyes, cough or sore throat should consider reducing activity, particularly outdoors.â€

 

Asthma UK nurse Debby Waddell said: “We urge all people with asthma to keep a working blue reliever inhaler on them at all times. “We also suggest that people keep an eye on their symptoms and know what to do in an asthma attack.†The smog is the result of a combination of dust from the Sahara, pollution from the continent and light winds. It has not been helped by the warm and calm conditions with temperatures hitting 70F (21C) on Wednesday, the hottest day of the year so far. The Met Office said although it will be cooler by the weekend, temperatures will still stay above average for the time of year. Spokeswoman Laura Young said: “It is still going to be warm, though there are a few showers around between the sunshine. On Tuesday and Wednesday there is a nice area of high pressure over the UK which should make it bright and sunny.†Defra has downgraded pollution forecasts from very high to moderate today across central, western and some northern parts of the UK.Although a moderate to low risk is expected to remain until Monday, a spokeswoman said it was impossible to “promise†levels won’t remain high. She also said it is possible similar smogs may descend over the country later in the summer with these events “not exceptionalâ€. She said: “We saw something quite similar a couple of weeks ago. We would expect to see this around five times a year. It is not something that is totally exceptional.†A Defra statement said: “On Saturday moderate levels of air pollution are forecast for parts of England and Wales and south-east Scotland but otherwise levels will be low. On Sunday and Monday, the whole of the UK is expected to have low levels.†Poll­ution expert Timothy Baker, of King’s College London, said similar hazes are likely to become more common as diesel car ownership soars. He said: “The way things are going, pollution levels are likely to rise in the coming months and years. “Traffic emissions are a big and growing problem in the UK because of the dramatic increase in the number of diesel cars on our roads.â€

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/health/468556/Alarm-as-experts-warn-that-smog-enveloping-Britain-is-set-to-continue

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Choking to death: Expert warns that even the healthy are at risk from Sahara Desert smog

 

HEALTHY Brits could develop killer diseases as a result of the Sahara Desert dust smog polluting the UK. A health expert said the choking mix of power station and car fumes and dust from Africa could spark ­ fatal heart attacks and strokes later in life. Only the very young, old and those with long-term illness have so far been warned they are at risk from the death cloud. But Frank Kelly, professor of environmental health at King’s College London, said Brits faced a ticking time bomb. He said each breath of the smog would cause immediate problems for some, such as those with asthma, and “contribute to longer term problems for most of us in the form of heart disease and strokeâ€. Prof Kelly, also chairman of the Department of Health’s air pollution committee, said schools were right to keep children inside at break times to stop them suffering potentially life-long lung damage.

 

Last night experts warned the pollution will only get worse in the future as more drivers switch to diesel engine vehicles. It came as David Cameron admitted the tainted air stopped him from going on his daily jog yesterday. The PM, 47, said: “I chose to do some work instead.†A 14% increase in 999 calls related to breathing problems was reported yesterday as high pollution levels affected huge swathes of the UK. Air quality tests showed that London and the south-east experienced pollution at the maximum level of 10. Danger zones also include East Anglia, the Midlands, parts of Wales and the north-west. The Weather Channel UK predicted air quality would improve slightly today as the haze moved out towards the North Sea.

 

http://www.dailystar.co.uk/news/latest-news/372807/Expert-warns-that-even-the-healthy-are-at-risk-from-Sahara-Desert-smog-cloud-polluting-UK

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Britain breathes again as smog cloud fades and country prepares for showers and sunshine this weekend with 17C temperatures

  • Tomorrow: Cloudy day for much of UK with patchy rain in North and West, and sunshine across eastern England
  • Sunday: Unsettled and breezy weather with spells of rain spreading eastwards - some heavy in western areas
  • London Mayor Boris Johnson: 'We need to keep a sense of proportion. I cycled perfectly happily around today'
  • Prime Minister David Cameron: 'I didn't go for my run - you can feel it, it sounds extraordinary, Saharan dust'
  • Health officials are still urging people today to check local air quality before taking part in outdoor exercise
  • Fresh air mass arriving later today is expected to push the pollution eastwards over North Sea, forecasters say
  • PM criticised by European Commission's environment spokesman for 'misunderstanding' air pollution problem

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2596722/UK-weather-Split-smog-danger-London-mayor-dismisses-health-risk-air-pollution.html

  •  
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Posted
  • Location: Darlington
  • Weather Preferences: Warm dry summers
  • Location: Darlington

Climate change to bring years of toxic smog

 

THE toxic smog that smothered most of Britain this week will become more frequent in coming years, experts warned last night. A mixture of drought, development and intensive farming in North Africa could see dust storms regularly rolling across Britain. The news comes as Britain emerges from a week of extreme pollution which triggered a surge in health complaints including asthma, sore throats and streaming eyes. Dr Robert Bryant, of Sheffield University, said population growth in African countries has prompted a rise in farming, which has increased dust in the region. He said the trend is set to continue, with air travelling to the UK more likely to carry the fine red dust which has contributed to severe pollution this week.

 

He said: “There has been a dramatic increase in some aspects of dust flux, which have doubled over the last 50 years. “Population pressure alone is likely to exacerbate the problem and if current trends continue the amount could double again over the next 50 years. “As climate change increases the frequency and intensity of droughts, the amount of dust blown into the air will increase as more crops die and the soil becomes drier.†The Department for Environment Food and Rural Affairs (Defra) this week issued a raft of forecasts for high to very high pollution levels across Britain after Saharan dust together with light winds in the UK and pollution from Europe created a “perfect storm†for smog to develop.

 

Health experts and charities said there had been a rise in the number of people with breathing problems, while emergency services reported a high number of call outs. Although pollution levels are falling, Public Health England (PHE) last night urged people to check local air quality, especially before taking exercise outdoors. Dr Sotiris Vardoulakis, head of PHE’s air pollution and climate change group, said: “Although forecasts are for pollution levels to fall over the next 24 hours or so, it’s important that people consider their personal circumstances and the maps before planning any particularly strenuous outdoor activity. “It’s important people are well informed so they can make their own judgments about their levels of activity.†The warning comes as tens of thousands of runners prepare to hit the road in preparation for next week’s London marathon.

 

Mike McKevitt, head of patient services at the British Lung Foundation, said: “It isn’t just people with lung and heart disease that should be diligent. “Anyone noticing they are more breathless, or coughing or wheezing more than normal, should contact their GP, even if they haven’t experienced any problems.†Last night Defra warned pollution levels in parts of the country are expected to stay “moderate†through today before finally dropping to “low†tomorrow. A spokesman said: “Moderate levels of air pollution are forecast for parts of northern England, Wales, south-west Scotland and eastern Northern Ireland, otherwise levels are expected to be low as southwesterly winds continue. “Low levels of air pollution are expected across almost all parts through Sunday, Monday and Tuesday as cleaner air continues to spread in from the Atlantic. “It is possible air pollution levels may rise to moderate in isolated areas.â€

 

http://www.express.co.uk/news/nature/468768/Toxic-dust-storms-are-an-effect-of-climate-change-are-here-to-stay

 
Link to comment
Share on other sites

Create an account or sign in to comment

You need to be a member in order to leave a comment

Create an account

Sign up for a new account in our community. It's easy!

Register a new account

Sign in

Already have an account? Sign in here.

Sign In Now
×
×
  • Create New...