Wettest winter on record for parts of the UK, says Met Office
Wettest Winter on Record for Parts of the UK, Says Met Office
The Met Office reported that certain regions of the UK faced their wettest winter in historical records, based on preliminary data. This included Cornwall, Leicestershire, and the West Midlands, which recorded their most saturated winter since measurements began in 1836.
Dorset and Warwickshire ranked among the second and fourth wettest winters respectively, while southern England overall saw significant rainfall. The nation as a whole experienced 13% more precipitation than the long-term average, though it fell short of the 539.9mm peak set in 2014.
Regional disparities were notable, with southern and central areas showing pronounced wetness. England’s rainfall exceeded normal levels by 42% during December, January, and February, whereas Scotland recorded 14% less than its seasonal norm. In England, northern regions saw 17% above average rain, while the south received 58% more.
Meanwhile, Northern Ireland and Wales each saw a 27% and 20% increase in rainfall compared to long-term averages. In January, three named storms—Goretti, Ingrid, and Chandra—delivered downpours, causing flooding and travel issues.
February brought record-low sunshine levels across all UK nations, despite unusually mild weather. The Met Office noted that every region experienced one of its top 10 driest Februaries, attributed to persistent Atlantic cloud systems and limited high-pressure activity.
Regional Variations and Climate Context
The weather service emphasized the stark contrasts across the UK. “Substantial regional differences” shaped the winter, with southern and central areas particularly affected by relentless rain.
Dr. Amy Doherty remarked, “Persistent rainfall in southern and central regions led to saturated soil and several areas recording one of their wettest winters on record.”
Climate change continues to influence these patterns, even as natural variability and atmospheric shifts played a major role. A warmer atmosphere retains more moisture, increasing rain intensity by roughly 7% per degree Celsius of warming.
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