Podcast
Questions and Answers
What causes rainfall in England during the summer?
What causes rainfall in England during the summer?
Which region in England typically receives the highest amount of rainfall annually?
Which region in England typically receives the highest amount of rainfall annually?
What is the main influence on the climate of England according to the text?
What is the main influence on the climate of England according to the text?
What weather event is most active in autumn and winter in England?
What weather event is most active in autumn and winter in England?
Signup and view all the answers
How does the Azores High influence the climate in the south-west of England?
How does the Azores High influence the climate in the south-west of England?
Signup and view all the answers
What is indicated by the blues on the map of the UK in terms of extreme rainfall events?
What is indicated by the blues on the map of the UK in terms of extreme rainfall events?
Signup and view all the answers
What do recent studies suggest about extreme rainfall events in the UK by 2080?
What do recent studies suggest about extreme rainfall events in the UK by 2080?
Signup and view all the answers
How can local governments use climate projections to prepare for changes in rainfall?
How can local governments use climate projections to prepare for changes in rainfall?
Signup and view all the answers
What does the text mention as an important consideration for planning due to high-intensity rainfall events?
What does the text mention as an important consideration for planning due to high-intensity rainfall events?
Signup and view all the answers
According to UKCP18, what change is expected in summers based on climate projections?
According to UKCP18, what change is expected in summers based on climate projections?
Signup and view all the answers
Study Notes
Rainfall Frequency in England: Weather Patterns and Extreme Events
Rainfall in England is influenced by several factors, including the movement of weather patterns across the world and the temperature of the air, which can hold more moisture as it warms. The climate of England is characterized by a temperate maritime climate, with annual rainfall averaging around 1,154mm (45.43 in). This article explores the rainfall patterns in England, focusing on the subtopics of the weather in England and the frequency of extreme rainfall events.
Weather Patterns in England
England's climate is influenced by the Atlantic Ocean, with most rainfall occurring in autumn and winter, when Atlantic depressions are most active. In summer, rainfall is caused by sun heating the ground, leading to convection and showers and thunderstorms. The average number of rainy days in England is around 156.2, with an average yearly rainfall of 1,154mm. Coastal areas of the south-west, such as Cornwall and Devon, typically receive 900–1,000 mm (35–39 in) of rainfall annually, while higher ground areas, like Dartmoor, Exmoor, and Bodmin Moor, may receive up to 2,000 mm (79 in).
The Azores High, a high-pressure system, also influences the south-west of England, reducing cloud cover and causing less convective cloud cover in spring and summer. In coastal areas, there are more hours of sunshine compared to inland areas, where higher ground causes less convective cloud cover and reduces the amount of sunshine.
Extreme Rainfall Events in England
Recent studies have shown that extreme rainfall events could become more frequent in the UK, with some areas experiencing up to four times as many events by 2080 compared to the 1980s. Under a high emissions scenario (RCP 8.5), rainfall events in the UK could exceed 20mm/hr, which is important for aspects of planning such as surface water drainage and flood risk. The greatest change in the intensity of extreme hourly precipitation for every degree of warming is indicated by the blues in the Northwest of the UK, with the red and orange colours showing less change.
Planning and Preparation
Local governments can use climate projections to better prepare for changes to rainfall in the future. The latest set of UK climate projections (UKCP18) indicate that on average, winters will continue to become wetter and summers drier, with an increase in the number of extreme rainfall days. By understanding how our changing climate affects these systems regionally, local governments can implement measures to mitigate the impacts of extreme rainfall events, such as improving surface water drainage and flood risk management.
Studying That Suits You
Use AI to generate personalized quizzes and flashcards to suit your learning preferences.
Description
Explore the factors influencing rainfall patterns in England, including weather systems and extreme events. Learn about the climate of England, the influence of the Atlantic Ocean, and the potential increase in extreme rainfall events in the future. Discover how local governments can use climate projections to prepare for changes in rainfall patterns.
