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UK Sees Wettest January in 149 Years
19 Feb
Summary
- Northern Ireland recorded its wettest January in 149 years.
- A persistent high-pressure system over Europe caused relentless rain.
- Climate change is linked to warmer, wetter winters in the UK.
January brought record-breaking rainfall to Northern Ireland, marking the wettest month in 149 years. This deluge is attributed to a persistent "stuck" weather pattern established across Europe early in the year. A large high-pressure area over northern and eastern Europe blocked the progression of Atlantic low-pressure systems.
These rain-bearing systems were repeatedly directed towards western Europe, primarily impacting the UK, Spain, and Portugal. However, some parts of the UK, like northwest England and western Scotland, experienced below-average rainfall, with some Highland areas seeing nearly three weeks without any precipitation.
This trend aligns with the long-term impact of climate change on UK winters, which are becoming warmer and wetter. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, intensifying rainfall when it occurs.
