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Isle of Man Faces Extreme Weather Shifts
23 Jan
Summary
- Spring and summer 2025 were the warmest on record for the island.
- Unusually dry spring negatively impacted crops and island fisheries.
- Autumn brought exceptionally wet weather, with rainfall uplifted by 10%.
Extreme weather pattern changes are becoming the new reality for the Isle of Man, according to meteorologist Gary Salisbury.
Salisbury's 2025 report highlighted the warmest spring and summer since 1947, alongside a record-breaking dry March and a significantly wet autumn. These shifts have directly impacted local fisheries and agriculture, with farmers struggling due to drought conditions that affected grass growth for livestock and planting conditions.
The island's reliance on sea and air for travel makes it particularly vulnerable to these weather fluctuations. The dry spring of 2025 led to critically low river levels, affecting fisheries. Conversely, the autumn saw a 10% increase in rainfall compared to the 30-year average, exacerbating flooding risks.
Concerns are also rising about potential damages from future storm surges, especially during high spring tides, which could cause significant financial losses. Salisbury expressed frustration with what he perceives as dismissal of these risks by some decision-makers, emphasizing that these extreme weather events are measurable and already affecting the island.
