Displaying items by tag: wetter weather

2023 stands as the second warmest year on record in the UK, following 2022, with a mean temperature of 9.97°C. This year, Wales and Northern Ireland both experienced their warmest years ever since records began in 1884. The year was marked by notable heatwaves in June and September, contributing to eight of the twelve months being warmer than average. June was the hottest on record, and September tied for the joint-hottest. This warming trend aligns with global climate patterns, with human-induced climate change playing a significant role. The UK's climate has been consistently warming, with the ten warmest years occurring since 2003. Climate studies suggest that such high temperatures, a rarity in the past, are now becoming increasingly common due to human activity. The year also saw significant rainfall, with the UK experiencing 11% more rain than average. Northern Ireland recorded its third wettest year, and England its sixth wettest. These wet conditions, combined with the warm temperatures, indicate the changing climate patterns, suggesting a trend towards hotter, drier summers and warmer, wetter winters in the UK. The full UK State of the Climate report, detailing these findings in depth, is set to be released later in 2024.