Postdoctoral research scientist Matt Patterson from the University of Reading discusses the cold and wet weather in the UK, attributing it to climate change affecting the jet stream. He explains how unusual weather patterns impact temperatures and rainfall, highlighting the role of climate change in shaping British summers.
Unseasonably cool weather in the UK is caused by a dip in the jet stream bringing colder conditions.
Exceptionally wet weather in the UK is attributed to factors like El Nino and climate change, leading to heavier rainfall in the future.
Deep dives
Unseasonably Cool Weather in the UK
The podcast delves into the unseasonably cool weather in the UK, explained by a dip in the jet stream causing colder conditions. The meteorology of this pattern involves northerly winds pulling down cool air, resulting in temperatures lower than average. The forecast indicates that these conditions will persist for the next few days, maintaining the chill across the UK.
Wet Conditions, El Nino, and Climate Change
The episode explores the exceptionally wet weather in the UK, attributing it to factors like El Nino and climate change. El Nino's warm sea temperatures affect atmospheric pressure globally, leading to wetter conditions in the UK. Additionally, with a warmer atmosphere from climate change, heavier rainfall is expected in the future, intensifying the frequency of wet winters.
Hottest May on Record & Impact of Climate Change
The podcast examines the record-breaking heat in May and its attribution to climate change. The warming climate allows more moisture in the atmosphere, resulting in heavier rainfall. Despite the heat, perceptions may be skewed as nights were warmer due to cloud cover, highlighting the rapid warming trend experienced in the UK over the past decades.
Here in the UK talking about the weather is already a national pastime, but this month the water-cooler weather chat has ramped up a notch as rain, grey skies and biting temperatures have put summer firmly on hold. Ian Sample talks to Matt Patterson, a postdoctoral research scientist in the Department of Meteorology at the University of Reading, to find out what’s causing the chilly weather, whether it’s really as unusual as it seems, and whether any sun is on the horizon for the UK. Help support our independent journalism at theguardian.com/sciencepod
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