Met Office Issues Statement as UK Endures Record 42 Days of Continuous Rain
The Met Office has spoken out after the United Kingdom faced an unprecedented 42 consecutive days of continuous rainfall, a record-breaking deluge that shows no immediate signs of abating. Households across the nation have been hammered by relentless rain for weeks, prompting widespread concern and questions about when the downpour will finally cease and what is causing this extreme weather pattern.
Forecasters Predict More Rain and Snow Ahead
Met Office forecasters have cautioned that today will remain largely cloudy with outbreaks of rain, along with instances of snowfall in regions where temperatures are expected to plunge below zero. Rainfall is forecast to continue from Friday through Sunday, with long-range predictions painting an equally dire picture for the most part. This persistent downpour has triggered dozens of flood warnings and alerts, with swollen rivers reaching critical tipping points across the country.
Blocked Weather System Blamed for Endless Rainfall
Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge explained the meteorological causes behind the relentless rain. He stated, "The weather pattern for much of this year so far has been dominated by an area of high pressure centred over Scandinavia. This area of high pressure has effectively blocked weather systems coming in from the Atlantic, causing them to stall over the western parts of the UK and intensifying the rainfall in these areas."
Additionally, Madge noted that the jet stream – a westerly high-altitude wind – has been energised by a cold plunge in North America, steering more low-pressure systems with wind and rain towards the UK. This consistent rain is more commonly known as a "blocked" weather system, which can arrive in different forms, delivering prolonged dry spells or heatwaves. In this instance, however, low pressure became stuck above the UK, resulting in heavy and persistent rainfall.
Warnings Issued Across Scotland and Northern England
WXCharts maps, which utilise MetDesk data, reveal prolonged showers and snowfall across much of the country. While brief dry spells are predicted for Saturday and February 21, they are not expected to last long. Upward of 2.5 inches of rain is forecast to fall in Wales and southern England, with northern England and Scotland facing an inch of snowfall on Monday, February 23.
This stalling effect has contributed to yellow rain, snow, and ice warnings being issued for parts of Scotland and northern England from today through to Friday. Rain warnings will remain in place for the east coast of Scotland as well as the country's west coast near Glasgow until midnight. A snow and ice yellow warning will be in effect from 4pm tomorrow until 12pm on Friday, covering all of Scotland and stretching down into Derbyshire in northern England.
Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Gloom
Met Office forecaster Nasir offered a slight glimmer of hope in today's morning forecast, noting, "A real change is coming our way through Saturday. I can promise a little bit of drier and brighter weather." Despite this turn towards a brief drier spell for parts of Saturday, there will be continued instances of wintry showers and frost. Unfortunately, this respite will be short-lived, as more rainfall is expected to glide across the Irish Sea come Sunday.
Long-Range Forecast Remains Unsettled
The Met Office added in its long-range forecast for February 15 through February 24, "Showers or longer spells of rain are expected as Atlantic low-pressure systems dominate in the vicinity of the UK. Some heavy rain is likely in places, probably focussed on western hills, with some snow at times in the north, mainly on high ground. Strong winds are possible at times, especially around coasts. Temperatures will probably be near normal. Later in the period, there is a chance that drier, more settled conditions may begin to develop."
As the UK grapples with this historic weather event, residents are urged to stay informed about local warnings and take necessary precautions against flooding and hazardous conditions.
