weather – Latest News https://latestnews.top Sun, 24 Sep 2023 15:30:57 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.5.2 https://latestnews.top/wp-content/uploads/2023/05/cropped-licon-32x32.png weather – Latest News https://latestnews.top 32 32 Tropical Storm Ophelia updates: Rainy weather makes way up East Coast bringing flooding https://latestnews.top/tropical-storm-ophelia-updates-rainy-weather-makes-way-up-east-coast-bringing-flooding/ https://latestnews.top/tropical-storm-ophelia-updates-rainy-weather-makes-way-up-east-coast-bringing-flooding/#respond Sun, 24 Sep 2023 15:30:57 +0000 https://latestnews.top/tropical-storm-ophelia-updates-rainy-weather-makes-way-up-east-coast-bringing-flooding/ Rainy weather has made its way up the East Coast Sunday, bringing flooding and killing power in New Jersey after Tropical Storm Ophelia battered North Carolina.   In the Tri-State area, people will face the brunt of lingering, miserable weather for much of Sunday as the post-tropical storm moves past. There is still a risk of […]]]>


Rainy weather has made its way up the East Coast Sunday, bringing flooding and killing power in New Jersey after Tropical Storm Ophelia battered North Carolina.  

In the Tri-State area, people will face the brunt of lingering, miserable weather for much of Sunday as the post-tropical storm moves past. There is still a risk of coastal flooding and heavy, persistent rain – from DC to NYC on Sunday. 

Yesterday, the National Hurricane Center reported just after 6:20am, the storm had made landfall near Emerald Isle, North Carolina. The storm had maximum winds reaching 70mph, with sustained winds of 61mph.

A tropical storm warning was issued from Cape Fear, North Carolina, to Fenwick Island, Delaware. A hurricane watch was also in effect in North Carolina for the area north of Surf City to Ocracoke Inlet.

In North Carolina, roads and streets were submerged, with cars unable to pass through the floodwater. Yesterday, the National Hurricane Center reported that just after 6:20am, the storm had made landfall near Emerald Isle in North Carolina. The storm had maximum winds reaching 70mph, with sustained winds of 61mph

In North Carolina, roads and streets were submerged, with cars unable to pass through the floodwater. Yesterday, the National Hurricane Center reported that just after 6:20am, the storm had made landfall near Emerald Isle in North Carolina. The storm had maximum winds reaching 70mph, with sustained winds of 61mph

Views of Tropical Storm Ophelia from Greenville and Washington, North Carolina

Views of Tropical Storm Ophelia from Greenville and Washington, North Carolina

In New Jersey today, winds and the deluge have been causing disruption, and waves near the shore have been recorded as reaching up to 10 feet high. 

At the Cleveland Park Metro Station in Washington, DC, officials are anticipating flooding and have sandbagged the vicinity, as well as other flood-prone stations. 

New York City locals woke up to torrential rain and strong winds Sunday, with drizzly weather expected to continue into the beginning of the new week as the city reels from the final effects of Ophelia. 

Global Citizen Festival, held in Central Park, continued on despite the wet weather on Saturday evening – as festivalgoers in the Big Apple braved the torrent to watch big names like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lauryn Hill.  

Hurricane Specialist at the National Hurricane Center Philippe Papin said on Sunday: ‘There have been tropical-storm-force winds observed, but those are starting to gradually subside as the system moves further inland.

A tropical storm warning was issued from Cape Fear, North Carolina, to Fenwick Island, Delaware . A hurricane watch was also in effect in North Carolina for the area north of Surf City to Ocracoke Inlet

A tropical storm warning was issued from Cape Fear, North Carolina, to Fenwick Island, Delaware . A hurricane watch was also in effect in North Carolina for the area north of Surf City to Ocracoke Inlet

‘However, there is a significant flooding rainfall threat for a large portion of eastern North Carolina into southern Virginia over the next 12 to 24 hours.’

NYC Emergency Management Commissioner Zach Iscol said: ‘New Yorkers should take precautions regarding the forecast for high winds and rain during our first fall weekend.

‘This weekend’s weather is also a reminder that we are still in the middle of Atlantic Hurricane season and it is a great time to review your preparedness plan for your home or business, especially if you live in flood-prone areas.’ 

Footage showed the destruction caused in Greenville and Washington, North Carolina, Sunday morning after the storm brought heavy rain and major flooding.

Roads and streets were submerged, with cars unable to pass through the floodwater. 

Harsh winds caused dangerous tides at Cape Henlopen State Park as tropical storm Ophelia hit the Delaware coast

Harsh winds caused dangerous tides at Cape Henlopen State Park as tropical storm Ophelia hit the Delaware coast

Global Citizen Festival, held in Central Park, continued on despite the wet weather on Saturday evening - as festivalgoers in the Big Apple braved the torrent to watch big names like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lauryn Hill

Global Citizen Festival, held in Central Park, continued on despite the wet weather on Saturday evening – as festivalgoers in the Big Apple braved the torrent to watch big names like the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Lauryn Hill

At the Cleveland Park Metro Station in Washington, DC, officials are anticipating flooding and have sandbagged the vicinity, as well as other flood prone stations

At the Cleveland Park Metro Station in Washington, DC, officials are anticipating flooding and have sandbagged the vicinity, as well as other flood prone stations

Harsh tides seen at Seaside Park in New Jersey

Harsh tides seen at Seaside Park in New Jersey

Rescue teams with small boats made their way through the water to bring people trapped in cars and houses to safety.    

On Sunday morning, 2,600 people were without power in North Carolina, and 5,800 were blacked out in New Jersey.

During the intense deluge on Saturday, there were over 52,000 people in North Carolina and Virginia without power – but the majority have now been restored.  

The National Hurricane Center said in a morning update there will be a gradual weakening during the next 48 hours as the low center moves slowly offshore.

Water levels remain elevated within portions of Chesapeake Bay and its tidal rivers – but should gradually recede through today, experts said.

Throughout Sunday, portions of the Mid-Atlantic to southern New England will experience up to three inches of rainfall. 

According to the NHC: ‘This rainfall may produce localized flash, urban, and small stream flooding impacts across portions of the Mid-Atlantic region into southern New England. 

‘Isolated river flooding is possible in areas of heavier rainfall.

People wade onto Read Avenue in Dewey Beach as tropical storm Ophelia hits the Delaware coast late Saturday afternoon

People wade onto Read Avenue in Dewey Beach as tropical storm Ophelia hits the Delaware coast late Saturday afternoon

The National Hurricane Center said  the storm had maximum winds reaching 70mph, with sustained winds of 61mph on Saturday

The National Hurricane Center said  the storm had maximum winds reaching 70mph, with sustained winds of 61mph on Saturday

Flooding along East Bay Ave in Stafford, New Jersey, in the Mud City section of the township

Flooding along East Bay Ave in Stafford, New Jersey, in the Mud City section of the township

The Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, overflows the banks with the rain from Tropical Storm Ophelia

The Tidal Basin in Washington, DC, overflows the banks with the rain from Tropical Storm Ophelia

People wearing raincoats walk on the street on a rainy day in NYC

People wearing raincoats walk on the street on a rainy day in NYC

‘Swells generated by Ophelia will continue to affect much of the east coast of the United States through today. 

‘These swells are likely to cause life-threatening surf and rip current conditions.’

On Saturday, North Carolina Gov. Roy Cooper issued his state’s emergency declaration, aiming to expedite preparations and help provide a swift response.

‘The storm’s path has been difficult to predict and we want to ensure that farmers, first responders and utility crews have the tools necessary to prepare for severe weather,’ the governor said. 

Virginia Gov. Glenn Youngkin’s executive order sought to ease response and recovery efforts.

‘We want to ensure that all communities, particularly those with the greatest anticipated impact, have the resources they need to respond and recover from the effects of this storm,’ Youngkin noted. 

Waves break along the jetty at Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on September 22 as Tropical Storm Ophelia approached the area

Waves break along the jetty at Rudee Inlet in Virginia Beach, Virginia, on September 22 as Tropical Storm Ophelia approached the area

Maryland Governor Wes Moore said in a statement on Friday evening that the state expected an extended period of strong winds, heavy rainfall and elevated tides.

In Annapolis, Maryland’s capital, water taxi driver Scott Bierman said service would be closed Saturday.

‘We don’t operate when it´s going to endanger passengers and or damage vessels,’ Bierman said.

In Washington, the Nationals baseball team postponed its Saturday game until Sunday.

It is not uncommon for one or two tropical storms, or even hurricanes, to form off the East Coast each year, National Hurricane Center Director Michael Brennan said.

‘We’re right at the peak of hurricane season, we can basically have storms form anywhere across much of the Atlantic basin,’ Brennan said.



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City Pub Group sees increase in revenues despite poor weather and train strikes https://latestnews.top/city-pub-group-sees-increase-in-revenues-despite-poor-weather-and-train-strikes/ https://latestnews.top/city-pub-group-sees-increase-in-revenues-despite-poor-weather-and-train-strikes/#respond Thu, 21 Sep 2023 19:22:56 +0000 https://latestnews.top/city-pub-group-sees-increase-in-revenues-despite-poor-weather-and-train-strikes/ City Pub Group sees increase in revenues despite poor weather and train strikes Revenue increased to £31.7m for the first half, up from £26.7m  Like for like sales at London-listed pub operator were also up 14% By Daniel Fessahaye Updated: 10:41 EDT, 21 September 2023 City Pub Group has seen an increase in revenues despite […]]]>


City Pub Group sees increase in revenues despite poor weather and train strikes

  • Revenue increased to £31.7m for the first half, up from £26.7m 
  • Like for like sales at London-listed pub operator were also up 14%

City Pub Group has seen an increase in revenues despite poor weather and the continuation of train strikes. 

The London-listed high-end pub firm revealed that revenue increased to £31.7million for the first half to 26 June, up from £26.7million the previous year.

The firm also said that like-for-like sales were up by 14 per cent despite the poor weather in July and early August and the continuation of train strikes.

Chairman of City Pub Group Clive Watson (pictured) revealed  that he was looking 'forward to a strong second half'

Chairman of City Pub Group Clive Watson (pictured) revealed  that he was looking ‘forward to a strong second half’

Clive Watson, chairman of City Pub Group said: ‘The company is in a strong position with very low net debt and what we believe is amongst the lowest gearing in the sector. 

‘We look forward to a strong second half – Christmas bookings are significantly up and the company is well placed to take advantage of new acquisition opportunities.

‘The economy remains challenging but we are well placed to take advantage of any future upturn.’

City Pub Group shares were down by 0.16 per cent to 85.36p  in late morning trading on Thursday.

Watson co-founded the group in 2011 with fellow entrepreneurs David Bruce and John Roberts after Greene King bought Watson’s last venture, Capital Pub Company, for £93million.

As its name would suggest, Capital Pub Company concentrated on running pubs in London, but using the broader ‘City’ name has given him scope to buy or set up premises in places such as Exeter, Bath, Bristol, Oxford and Cambridge.

In June, the company revealed that it had bought a majority stake in Mosaic Pub and Dining Group, bolstering its portfolio of high-end pubs to 52 sites across London, Wales and the South of England.

The business purchased 52 per cent of shares in Mosaic, and has been taking operational control of its estate of nine pubs in London and Birmingham since 26 June.

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Fevertree downgrades profit outlook on poor UK weather https://latestnews.top/fevertree-downgrades-profit-outlook-on-poor-uk-weather/ https://latestnews.top/fevertree-downgrades-profit-outlook-on-poor-uk-weather/#respond Tue, 12 Sep 2023 12:41:05 +0000 https://latestnews.top/2023/09/12/fevertree-downgrades-profit-outlook-on-poor-uk-weather/ Fevertree downgrades profit outlook on poor UK weather Fever-Tree now anticipates making £30m to £36m in core earnings this year Soaring gas prices have made glass bottle manufacturing far more expensive Half-year profits at the posh tonic maker slumped by more than half to £10.2m By Harry Wise Updated: 08:30 EDT, 12 September 2023 Fevertree […]]]>


Fevertree downgrades profit outlook on poor UK weather

  • Fever-Tree now anticipates making £30m to £36m in core earnings this year
  • Soaring gas prices have made glass bottle manufacturing far more expensive
  • Half-year profits at the posh tonic maker slumped by more than half to £10.2m

Fevertree Drinks has lowered its annual profit forecast following a surge in glass costs and poor weather in the UK.

The upmarket soft drinks producer now anticipates making between £30million and £36million in core earnings this year, compared to a prior forecast of £36million to £42million.

For the first six months of 2023, the London-based firm reported profits slumping by more than half to £10.2million because of higher staff and overhead costs, and other elevated inflationary pressures.

Bottling issues: Fever-Tree warned in January that spiralling energy bills would result in around £20million in extra glass-making costs this year

Bottling issues: Fever-Tree warned in January that spiralling energy bills would result in around £20million in extra glass-making costs this year

Soaring gas prices have made glass bottle manufacturing more expensive.

Fevertree, which sells about 80 per cent of its products in glass bottles, warned in January that spiralling energy bills would result in around £20million in extra glass-making costs this year.

Although the company has raised prices for customers, greater local US production, and boosted supply chain resilience, first-half gross margins still declined by 670 basis points to 30.7 per cent.

Fevertree does expect margins to improve as transatlantic freight rates shrink and the full impact of recent price hikes is recognised.

However, the firm noted that demand in the UK had been affected by ‘unseasonably poor weather’ during the critical summer trading period, having already flatlined in the first half of the year.

By comparison, revenues expanded by 40 per cent to £56.1million in the United States thanks to a bumper rise in new hospitality customers and retail sales.

Alongside a decent performance across Europe, this helped Fevertree’s overall turnover increase by 9 per cent to £175.6million for the six months ending June.

‘Whilst the vagaries of the British summer weather have impacted sales since period end…the group still expects to deliver good growth in the reminder of 2023,’ said Tim Warrillow, chief executive of Fevertree.

But slowing UK trade and the cost of a one-off inventory buyback in Australia mean the company has cut its annual revenue outlook to between £380million and £390million.

Following the update, Fevertree Drinks shares fell 0.6 per cent, or 7p, to £12.98 on Tuesday morning, but have risen by about 39 per cent in the past 12 months. 

‘The business can’t seem to get a break,’ remarked Russ Mould, investment director at trading platform AJ Bell.

He added: ‘Despite delivering strong growth in the US, gaining market share in the UK and seeing progress in other parts of the world, Fevertree still seems to have as many critics as it does fans.

‘Admittedly, profits, margins and cash fell in the first-half period which suggests a business under pressure. Its challenge is to reverse that trend and get everything back on track.’





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There’s a leak in parliament! Stormy weather stops MPs during question time as rain https://latestnews.top/theres-a-leak-in-parliament-stormy-weather-stops-mps-during-question-time-as-rain/ https://latestnews.top/theres-a-leak-in-parliament-stormy-weather-stops-mps-during-question-time-as-rain/#respond Thu, 24 Aug 2023 04:56:34 +0000 https://latestnews.top/2023/08/24/theres-a-leak-in-parliament-stormy-weather-stops-mps-during-question-time-as-rain/ There’s a leak in parliament! Stormy weather stops MPs during question time as rain starts seeping through the roof of the House of Representatives chamber Australian MPs were forced to deal with a leak at parliament house Speaker Bronwyn Bishop called for a mop and bucket The nation’s capital was pelted with rain, hail and […]]]>


There’s a leak in parliament! Stormy weather stops MPs during question time as rain starts seeping through the roof of the House of Representatives chamber

  • Australian MPs were forced to deal with a leak at parliament house
  • Speaker Bronwyn Bishop called for a mop and bucket
  • The nation’s capital was pelted with rain, hail and lightning as a severe thunderstorm passed through Wednesday afternoon 

Damaging leaks are the bread and butter of political reporting, but a leak of a different kind has got parliament aflutter.

A thunderstorm over Canberra has exposed a leak in the ceiling of the House of Representatives chamber.

Speaker Bronwyn Bishop ordered a bucket and mop.

‘I notice that our roof is leaking,’ she said.

‘I realise leaking is a common problem for political parties. We may need a bucket.’

Scroll down for video 

An attendant looks up as he attempts to clean up water from a leak in the roof of the the House of Representatives  during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra

An attendant looks up as he attempts to clean up water from a leak in the roof of the the House of Representatives during Question Time at Parliament House in Canberra

A number of politicians found it quite comical as an attendant tried to clean up the water which was leaking from the roof

A number of politicians found it quite comical as an attendant tried to clean up the water which was leaking from the roof

Treasurer Joe Hockey used it to attack Labor, saying it exposed the dire state of infrastructure left by the previous government.

The incident came just after Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce declared his support for more dams.

The Canberra Times reported the nation’s capital was pelted with rain, hail, lightning and thunder as a severe thunderstorm passed through on Wednesday afternoon.

You've missed a spot. Politicians give direction to an attendant who is cleaning up water from a leaking roof at parliament house

You’ve missed a spot. Politicians give direction to an attendant who is cleaning up water from a leaking roof at parliament house

An attendant looks up as he attemps to clean up water from a leak in the roof of the the House of Representatives  during Question Time

An attendant looks up as he attemps to clean up water from a leak in the roof of the the House of Representatives during Question Time

It’s believed there were wind gusts of up to 70 kilometres and hour.

The ACT State Emergency Service said it received a total of 25 calls for help since 2pm following the wet weather.

ACTSES and ACT Fire & Rescue responded to leaking roofs, as well as damaged trees and branches across a widespread area of Canberra.

 



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Europe’s wild weather continues as German airport is submerged in floodwater and https://latestnews.top/europes-wild-weather-continues-as-german-airport-is-submerged-in-floodwater-and/ https://latestnews.top/europes-wild-weather-continues-as-german-airport-is-submerged-in-floodwater-and/#respond Thu, 17 Aug 2023 13:07:55 +0000 https://latestnews.top/2023/08/17/europes-wild-weather-continues-as-german-airport-is-submerged-in-floodwater-and/ Europe’s summer of wild weather continued overnight as a German airport was flooded by ferocious rain and northern Italy was lashed by a thunderstorm… while a 40C heat dome moved in over Italy, Spain and southern France. The weather on the continent in recent months has been characterised by a north-south divide, with southern Europe […]]]>


Europe’s summer of wild weather continued overnight as a German airport was flooded by ferocious rain and northern Italy was lashed by a thunderstorm… while a 40C heat dome moved in over Italy, Spain and southern France.

The weather on the continent in recent months has been characterised by a north-south divide, with southern Europe suffering from extreme heat as northern and central Europe is battered by powerful storms and deadly flooding.

German authorities said on Thursday that heavy rain led to dozens of flight cancellations at Frankfurt airport, the country’s busiest and a major European hub.

The storm swept over southwest Germany late Wednesday, dumping huge quantities of water and reportedly unleashing over 25,000 bolts of lightning in about an hour. 

The airport said large quantities of water accumulated on the tarmac Wednesday evening and ground handling was suspended for more than two hours, German news agency dpa reported.

Europe's summer of wild weather continued overnight as a German airport was flooded by a ferocious thunderstorm

Europe's summer of wild weather continued overnight as a German airport was flooded by a ferocious thunderstorm

Europe’s summer of wild weather continued overnight as a German airport was flooded by a ferocious thunderstorm. Pictured: The runway at Frankfurt airport is seen submerged in water

German authorities said on Thursday that heavy rain led to dozens of flight cancellations at Frankfurt airport, the country's busiest and a major European hub

German authorities said on Thursday that heavy rain led to dozens of flight cancellations at Frankfurt airport, the country's busiest and a major European hub

German authorities said on Thursday that heavy rain led to dozens of flight cancellations at Frankfurt airport, the country’s busiest and a major European hub

Footage from the airport showed the runway was under a deep level of water, while other clips from inside a nearby building showed the water pouring in through broken windows and gaps in the door.

The water level was at least two feet high when shown up against the glass. 

Frankfurt Airport said it was forced to axe 90 flights while 23 more were rerouted to land at other airports. Some passengers slept on camp beds while many spent the night at the airport hotel.

‘Today, the situation will probably stabilise again,’ a spokesman told AFP.

‘There are still passengers here who need to be booked onto new flights.’

The fire service in Germany’s financial capital said they launched over 500 operations from late Wednesday to early Thursday related to the storm.

There were more than 350 instances of water flooding into buildings and 17 fallen trees, they said, adding off-duty personnel were called in to help.

In another video clip, water could be seen rushing down the stairs and an escalator and into the city’s subway system. 

The storm also affected other areas, with Gelsenkirchen, in the region North Rhine-Westphalia, hard hit.

Heavy rain is seen coming down in Frankfurt on Wednesday as the German region is hit by thunderstorms

Heavy rain is seen coming down in Frankfurt on Wednesday as the German region is hit by thunderstorms

Heavy rain is seen coming down in Frankfurt on Wednesday as the German region is hit by thunderstorms

Heavy rain is seen coming down in Frankfurt on Wednesday as the German region is hit by thunderstorms

Streets, cellars and lower-lying residential areas were rapidly flooded, while trees toppled over, hitting vehicles, the fire service said.

Emergency service workers rescued people from vehicles at several highway underpasses.

In one area, parked vehicles became submerged and some streets were only passable with inflatable boats.

Experts say that climate change is increasing the frequency and severity of floods.

Elsewhere in Italy, a violent storm hit the province of Turin on Wednesday night, with fire crews being called to downed trees and widespread flooding.

Nighttime footage showed the sky being lit up by flashes of lighting as rain poured down onto streets below in sheets.

This came days after a mountain mudslide sent water, soil and debris pouring into a town in the same region on Sunday.

Witness video showed a huge wave of dirt, water and debris toppling a gate and residents running away as the muck rushed down a city street. Other videos showed thick mud coursing through the river banks that pass through town.

Authorities said all residents of Bardonecchia had been accounted for. 

A map shows forecast temperatures across the Atlantic ocean and into Europe for the coming days, when a heat dome is expected to form over southern and central Europe

A map shows forecast temperatures across the Atlantic ocean and into Europe for the coming days, when a heat dome is expected to form over southern and central Europe

Lightning discharges in the evening sky during a heavy thunderstorm over the houses in the district of Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt, Germany Wednesday, August 16

Lightning discharges in the evening sky during a heavy thunderstorm over the houses in the district of Sachsenhausen, Frankfurt, Germany Wednesday, August 16

As parts of Germany and Italy experience flooding, southern Europe is bracing itself for yet another heatwave after all-time temperature records tumbled earlier this year.

From Thursday, a powerful heatwave is forecast to expand across western Europe, as well as towards central parts of the continent.

The weather formation forecast for the region is known as a heat dome, which sees hot air expanding up into the atmosphere before being pushed down by high pressure, causing the air to warm as it is compressed towards ground level.

The phenomenon has been likened to having a lid on a cooking pot.

Last week, a heatwave saw temperatures reach towards 47C, with Valencia smashing its all time highest temperature on record.

In Turkey, meanwhile, the country recorded 50C+ for the first time.

In the coming days, temperatures in parts of southern France and southern Italy are forecast to reach the low-40C mark, while ground temperatures could reach as high as 50C in south-Spain, according to weather tracking platform Ventusky.

High temperatures in Europe have brought wildfires with them. 

On Tuesday a blaze ravaged homes and holiday campsites in a British tourist hotspot in France, forcing the evacuation of 3,000 people. 

The blazing wildfires ripped through 500 hectares of land and saw thousands of terrified tourists flee for their lives from their holiday homes and campsites in the popular holiday region of Pyrenees-Orientales, southern France.

Britons have told how panicked families who had quickly packed their belongings and fled campsites in the commune of Saint-Andre in their cars became trapped in traffic jams after they realised they were in fact heading towards the quickly expanding flames of the wildfire. 

This visualisation, based on data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), shows the surface air temperature anomaly for July 2023 in Europe. With a deviation of over 0.7°C from the average of the years 1991 to 2020, July 2023 marks the warmest July ever recorded

This visualisation, based on data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service (C3S), shows the surface air temperature anomaly for July 2023 in Europe. With a deviation of over 0.7°C from the average of the years 1991 to 2020, July 2023 marks the warmest July ever recorded

A map shows ground temperatures forecast across Europe for Friday, August 18

A map shows ground temperatures forecast across Europe for Friday, August 18

Zak Dhabalia, 55, a retired British hedge fund manager who lives in the nearby village of Sorede and saw the flames come perilously close to his home, said it was an ‘extraordinary and terrifying experience for us all’.

Dhabalia, who lives with his French wife Sylvie Dhabalia, told MailOnline it was ‘terrifying’ to see how quickly the wildfire spread across the vineyards towards the campsites which were gutted by the flames, adding that he could hear gas canisters exploding at the site.

Harrowing photographs showed the extent of the damage caused by the wildfires, with the gutted remains of homes seen in Saint-Andre. Cars were incinerated and a campsite was destroyed by the blaze. 

Bordering on Spain, the Pyrenees-Orientales region has been affected worse than any other French region by a devastating drought. 

Last week, firefighters battled another wildfire near the southwestern city of Bordeaux that forced around 8,000 people to flee their homes and holiday villas.

Authorities in Spain’s northern Basque Country region said France had stopped freight trucks from crossing the border at Irun due to the fire.

Elsewhere in Europe, Greece, Italy, Algeria and Tunisia combined lost more than 1,350 square kilometers (520 square miles) to blazes that affected 120,000 people in late July, according to European Union estimates.

Last week, a series of wildfires ripped through Portugal and neighbouring Spain as temperatures soared to over 44C, forcing the evacuation of thousands of holidaymakers from villages and campsites. 

The popular holiday island of Rhodes – known for its sparkling beeches and ancient Greek sites – was also ravaged by wildfires for 11 days last month. 

After thousands of people were evacuated during the height of travel season, Rhodes is weighing how the crisis will affect its vital tourism sector, which fuels most of its economy and some 20 per cent of Greece’s.

It’s the same for other Mediterranean destinations such as Italy and Spain, where the tourism sector is also being hit by heat waves and wildfires.

Climate scientists say heat waves are more intense, more frequent and longer because of climate change — and coupled with droughts have made wildfires harder to fight.

They say climate change will continue to make weather more extreme and wildfires more frequent and destructive.

‘Climate change kills,’ Spanish Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez said last month during a visit to the Extremadura region, the site of three major blazes. ‘It kills people, it kills our ecosystems and biodiversity.’ 

Wildfires raging through Europe this summer have so far burned the second-largest area on record, even though the region is only halfway through its typical fire season, according to data from the European Union’s Joint Research Centre. 

FRANCE: Firefighters battle to contain a wildfire in Saint-Andre, southern France, on Monday

FRANCE: Firefighters battle to contain a wildfire in Saint-Andre, southern France, on Monday

Firefighters battle to contain a wildfire in Saint-Andre, southern France, on Monday

Firefighters battle to contain a wildfire in Saint-Andre, southern France, on Monday

Pictured: A camping site destroyed by a wildfire in Saint-Andre, near Argeles-sur-Mer, southern France, on Tuesday

Pictured: A camping site destroyed by a wildfire in Saint-Andre, near Argeles-sur-Mer, southern France, on Tuesday

ITALY: A wildfire burns in Posada in the province of Nuoro, August 7

ITALY: A wildfire burns in Posada in the province of Nuoro, August 7

Southern European countries such as Portugal and Greece experience fires most summers, but hotter temperatures are pushing severe wildfire risk north, with Germany, Slovenia and the Czech Republic among those hit this season. 

In stark contrast to the wildfires seen in France, Spain, Greece, Croatia and southern Italy in recent weeks, northern Italy and Scandinavia have been hit by devastating floods and storms.

In the Italian town of Bardonecchia, near Turin in the Val di Susa valley, a ‘tsunami of mud’ crashed through the streets on Sunday, sending people fleeing for their lives. 

Dramatic video shows the churning river of mud forming a huge wave as it burst its banks and slammed into a street following heavy rain.

Horrified residents and tourists were sent running for their lives as the ‘mud tsunami’ smashed through a gate and sent debris flying towards them on Sunday evening.

Further video shows a thick wall of mud thundering down the river banks that pass through the Alpine town, blanketing cars with debris.

Rescuers desperately searched for five people believed to have been missing following the mudslide but authorities later said all residents had been accounted for and there were no victims. 

Italy has been faced with a series of deadly floods and storms in recent months, with 13 people killed in May after a devastating flood tore through homes in the popular holiday region of Emilia-Romagna. 

Desperate families, including young children and the elderly, had to clamber on to their roofs in the tourist hotspot as they waited anxiously for rescuers to reach them in helicopters.  

In the city of Cesena locals were forced to swim through the submerged streets, past sunken cars and floating furniture, to reach higher ground.

Last month, severe storms also battered the north of Italy, killing two woman and a 16-year-old girl scout. 

The overnight storm on July 25 saw roofs torn off and hundreds of trees uprooted in Milan. Roads were blocked and cars were smashed by the debris.

Two women were killed in the northern Monza and Brescia provinces after being crushed by falling trees, while a teenager was seriously injured when he was hit by a falling branch in the Veneto region.

In the area around nearby Brescia, a 16-year-old girl on a scout camp was killed when a tree fell on her tent, according to Italian news agencies. Firefighters evacuated the other members of the camp, taking them to a sports hall nearby, ANSA said. 

Tourist attractions also bore the brunt of the bad weather, as the Sforza Castle was shut after some tiles were brought down and rain was heavy enough to penetrate the glass-vaulted Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II, Milan’s famed shopping arcade. 

Elsewhere in Europe, a 135mph tornado toppled a construction crane in Switzerland last month, killing one person, while ripping roofs off buildings. Storms also lashed France and Germany with torrential rain flooding streets in Berlin. 

And last week, heavy rains triggered landslides and flooding across southern Norway and Sweden, forcing communities to evacuate.

The Norwegian dam at the Braskereidfoss hydroelectric power plant, on the Glåma, Norway’s longest and most voluminous river, burst on Wednesday after days of rain. 

It caused devastating floods, with footage showing wooden cabins floating down overflowing rivers. One clip shows a mobile home crashing into a bridge on Norway’s Hemsilar river.

People were seen standing on the bridge as they watched caravans being swept away, crashing into the bridge and being crushed under the weight.



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Biden mocked for choosing The Weather Channel for a rare sit-down TV interview https://latestnews.top/biden-mocked-for-choosing-the-weather-channel-for-a-rare-sit-down-tv-interview/ https://latestnews.top/biden-mocked-for-choosing-the-weather-channel-for-a-rare-sit-down-tv-interview/#respond Wed, 09 Aug 2023 18:31:17 +0000 https://latestnews.top/2023/08/09/biden-mocked-for-choosing-the-weather-channel-for-a-rare-sit-down-tv-interview/ Biden mocked for choosing The Weather Channel for a rare sit-down TV interview President Biden is sitting down with The Weather Channel in Arizona on Tuesday to discuss climate change and extreme weather events  Republicans jumped on the outlet choice by referencing Democratic claims that Biden only discussed the ‘weather’ when on  calls with his […]]]>


Biden mocked for choosing The Weather Channel for a rare sit-down TV interview

  • President Biden is sitting down with The Weather Channel in Arizona on Tuesday to discuss climate change and extreme weather events 
  • Republicans jumped on the outlet choice by referencing Democratic claims that Biden only discussed the ‘weather’ when on  calls with his son and his associates
  • Hunter’s former business partner Devon Archer told the Oversight panel Hunter put his father on speakerphone 20 times with foreign contacts

Joe Biden is sitting for an interview with The Weather Channel on Tuesday – sending critics into a tizzy with jokes about Democratic claims that the President only discussed the ‘weather’ during calls with his son’s business associates.

Hunter Biden‘s former business partner Devon Archer told Congress during a closed-door testimony earlier this month that the elder Biden, 80, would often join in business calls with his son. He insisted, however, that it was mostly casual conversation about things like the weather.

Now President Biden has agreed to the rare sit-down interview, conducted in Arizona to discuss extreme weather events across the country and how to address climate change. The interview will air in full on Wednesday.

Of the outlet choice for his first time facing a reporter since mid-July, White House Communications Director Ben LaBolt tweeted that Biden is just ‘meeting viewers where they are,’ because some voters don’t tune into political news. 

President Joe Biden is sitting down with The Weather Channel while visiting the Grand Canyon on Tuesday to discuss climate change and extreme weather events. The rare sit-down interview with air on Wednesday

President Joe Biden is sitting down with The Weather Channel while visiting the Grand Canyon on Tuesday to discuss climate change and extreme weather events. The rare sit-down interview with air on Wednesday

Republicans jumped on the outlet choice by referencing Democratic claims that President Joe Biden only discussed the 'weather' when on speakerphone calls with his son Hunter Biden and his associates

Republicans jumped on the outlet choice by referencing Democratic claims that President Joe Biden only discussed the ‘weather’ when on speakerphone calls with his son Hunter Biden and his associates

Democrats hopped on Archer’s testimony as a reasonable explanation for why Biden was on the calls with his son’s foreign business associates.

Rep. Jim Himes (D-Conn.) told MSNBC that it’s not a crime to ‘exchange pleasantries.’

‘Is there problematic questions about Hunter Biden? And I said something that shouldn’t be controversial, which is that if you committed a crime, you should be held accountable,’ Himes told MSNBC after Archer’s testimony. ‘But have they pointed to anything to suggest that Joe Biden engaged in corrupt behavior? No.’

He added: ‘And on the contrary, Hunter Biden’s business partner said, “Yeah, he was on some phone calls. Talking about the weather. Exchanging pleasantries.”‘

Additionally, Rep. Daniel Goldman (D-N.Y.) had the same odd ‘weather’ response when asked by reporters at the Capitol why he wasn’t concerned with the conversations Joe Biden had with Hunter while on speakerphone with foreign business associates.

‘It was clear that it was part of the daily conversations that Hunter had with his father,’ Himes said of the calls. ‘And it was – sounded like – most of the time, now President Biden didn’t even know who the people he was at dinner.

‘He was just asked to say, “hello.” He would, you know, talk about the – he described it several times, they asked over and over and over,’ he added. ‘He described what the weather was, “what’s going on on your end?” The witness was very, very consistent that none of those conversations ever had to do with any business dealings or transactions.

‘They were purely what he called casual conversations.’

Of the upcoming interview on The Weather Channel, Chad Gilmartin, a spokesman for House Speaker Kevin McCarthy, tweeted: ‘Well this makes sense since Joe Biden called Hunter’s business partners over 20 times to discuss the weather…’

Democratic Rep Jim Himes

Democratic Rep Daniel Goldman

Democratic Reps. Jim Himes (left) and Daniel Goldman (right) both told press that Hunter Biden’s former business associate Devon Archer said that President Joe Biden only discussed weather during speakerphone calls with foreign businesspeople

Devon Archer appeared for closed-door testimony with the House Oversight Committee last month and told the panel that there were at least 20 instances when Hunter put his father on speakerphone during meetings with foreign associates

Devon Archer appeared for closed-door testimony with the House Oversight Committee last month and told the panel that there were at least 20 instances when Hunter put his father on speakerphone during meetings with foreign associates

Biden's White House maintains that he was not involved in his son's shady foreign business deals

Biden’s White House maintains that he was not involved in his son’s shady foreign business deals

‘Will he put Hunter Biden and his entire board of business partners on speakerphone as well to “talk about the weather?” Seems fitting,’ conservative internet personality Danny De Urbina tweeted.

The interview is conducted by Stephanie Abrams and will air starting on Wednesday morning.

‘Today at the Grand Canyon – the President will tape an interview on his plan to combat climate change, addressing the threat posed by extreme weather and to promote resilience,’ Communications Director LaBolt wrote. 

‘Meeting viewers where they are – including those who don’t tune into political news on a regular basis.’





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Why is the weather so bad in the UK? Rain and cooler temperatures are here to STAY for https://latestnews.top/why-is-the-weather-so-bad-in-the-uk-rain-and-cooler-temperatures-are-here-to-stay-for/ https://latestnews.top/why-is-the-weather-so-bad-in-the-uk-rain-and-cooler-temperatures-are-here-to-stay-for/#respond Mon, 31 Jul 2023 12:10:40 +0000 https://latestnews.top/2023/07/31/why-is-the-weather-so-bad-in-the-uk-rain-and-cooler-temperatures-are-here-to-stay-for/ It’s fair to say it’s been a somewhat topsy-turvy British summer. Last month’s heatwave brought with it temperatures in excess of 86F (30C) and made it the UK’s warmest June on record. But as July arrived, so did the rain. Worse still, forecasters now expect this dreary weather to continue for much of August, dashing […]]]>


It’s fair to say it’s been a somewhat topsy-turvy British summer.

Last month’s heatwave brought with it temperatures in excess of 86F (30C) and made it the UK’s warmest June on record. But as July arrived, so did the rain.

Worse still, forecasters now expect this dreary weather to continue for much of August, dashing hopes of a warm end to the summer holidays.

That is in stark contrast to the extreme heat experienced by most of Europe, as back-to-back heatwaves ushered in record-breaking temperatures and wildfires across the Greek islands of Rhodes and Corfu.

So why has Britain had rain while the continent has sweltered in unbearable heat? The answer, Met Office experts and scientists have told MailOnline, lies in the arrival of a series of low pressure systems above the UK which have been held in place by a ‘blocked weather pattern’.

Miserable Rain and cooler temperatures are here to stay for the summer because a low pressure system is currently 'in charge of Britain's weather', experts say. Pictured is West Bay in Dorset at the weekend

Miserable Rain and cooler temperatures are here to stay for the summer because a low pressure system is currently ‘in charge of Britain’s weather’, experts say. Pictured is West Bay in Dorset at the weekend

The graphic above shows how the jet stream works and where it's located between seasons. It is normally to the north of the UK during the summer, but has actually been to the south of us. This is what has brought unsettled weather systems in from the Atlantic

The graphic above shows how the jet stream works and where it’s located between seasons. It is normally to the north of the UK during the summer, but has actually been to the south of us. This is what has brought unsettled weather systems in from the Atlantic

WHAT IS THE JET STREAM AND HOW DOES THAT AFFECT BRITAIN’S WEATHER? 

The jet stream is a fast moving strip of air high up in the atmosphere that’s responsible for steering weather systems towards the UK from the Atlantic.  

It has a warm side to the south and a cold side to the north and can have a major impact on what kind of weather we experience.

In a typical British summer, when temperatures are warmer and drier, the jet stream is to the north of the UK, where it pulls up hot air across the country.

However, in the winter it sits further south and brings wet and windier weather because low pressure areas come closer to the UK.

The jet stream, which sits at about 30,000ft, can also change shape, going from flat to amplified, and it’s the latter that can lead to huge thunderstorms developing very quickly.

Essentially, this low pressure is what is ‘in charge of weather right now in the UK’, according to the Met Office.

It has been pushed in from the Atlantic because of the position of the jet stream – a fast moving strip of air high up in the atmosphere that’s responsible for steering weather systems towards Britain.

Normally it is to the north of the country during the summer and to the south in winter, but for July it has staunchly remained to the south, bringing with it miserable weather.

‘In recent weeks, the jet stream has been locked in quite a rigid pattern, to the south of the UK,’ said Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon.

‘For us, on the northern side of the jet stream, what it has meant is for low pressure systems to move off the Atlantic towards the UK, bringing us periods of wet and windy weather that you wouldn’t typically associated with summer.’

He added that this was also responsible for allowing high pressure to dominate in Europe, causing the extreme heat which has been commonplace this month. 

The bad news, however, is that we likely won’t be seeing such high pressure any time soon. 

Forecasters don’t anticipate the hot weather returning to the UK until towards the end of August at the earliest.

‘When the jet stream is to the north of the UK – as it often is in the summer – this is when there’s a higher likelihood of warmer, more settled weather, though that isn’t in the forecast for this week,’ Mr Dixon said.

‘There are some signals for more settled interludes of weather later in August, with more dry weather, though this is uncertain at present. 

‘There are no signals for prolonged or excessive heat at the moment, though more settled weather is likely later in the month.’

According to scientists, another reason we have endured such wet weather while Europe has been blanketed by heat is because of what is known as a ‘blocked weather pattern’. 

Professor Richard Allan, an expert in climate science at the University of Reading, told MailOnline that atmospheric Rossby waves – or planetary waves – created by the Earth’s rotation were partly responsible for the two extremes.

‘When giant, planetary waves in the atmosphere become blocked they can cause relentless heat to build in some regions, like we’ve seen in parts of North America, southern Europe and areas of Asia,’ he said.

Wet: People shield from the rain while crossing Millennium Bridge in London on Saturday

Wet: People shield from the rain while crossing Millennium Bridge in London on Saturday

People had to wrap up warm as they enjoyed a chilly stroll along the seafront at West Bay yesterday (Sunday)

People had to wrap up warm as they enjoyed a chilly stroll along the seafront at West Bay yesterday (Sunday)

‘But also intense rainfall and flooding in others, or just persistent cool and showery conditions like the UK is currently experiencing.’

Professor Nigel Arnell, of the University of Reading’s Meteorology Department, agreed.

‘It’s the blocking which has made the European heatwave so extreme, so there is a connection between the hot conditions in Europe and the windy/cool conditions in the UK.’

But it’s not just planetary waves that get blocked – the jet stream can also stall weather patterns. 

If this flow of winds is rushing quickly in a straight line from west to east then the weather often changes day to day.

When it weakens and becomes bendy or wavy, however, that’s when we get stuck with certain conditions for longer.

At the moment that’s cooler and wetter weather, but in June it was hot. In fact, most of this year has seen conditions persist for many weeks.

For instance, January began unsettled but February was the driest in the UK since 1993, before March was Britain’s wettest March on record.

The jet stream (shown) - a fast moving strip of air high up in the atmosphere that's responsible for steering weather systems towards the UK from the Atlantic - can stall weather patterns

The jet stream (shown) – a fast moving strip of air high up in the atmosphere that’s responsible for steering weather systems towards the UK from the Atlantic – can stall weather patterns

April and May were largely cooler than normal before the heat stepped up a notch in June.

Why are weather patterns persisting for longer then? Climate change is a distinct possibility, according to some experts.

There are studies which suggest that global warming might be making blocked weathers patterns more common.

The problem in relation to the jet stream however is that it naturally has waves, so just how much impact, if any, climate change is having is unclear.

But Professor Allan added that ‘it would be surprising if the unprecedented ocean warming patterns due to human-caused climate change were not disrupting the planetary waves and jet streams of air many kilometres above our head that affect our weather patterns’.

With the Arctic region warming more quickly than areas further south there is certainly an argument to be made that climate change is interfering with the jet stream.

That is because the flow of atmospheric winds is driven by the contrast in temperatures north-to-south, meaning that if this lessens the jet stream could weaken longer term and become wavy more frequently, sparking a prolonged type of weather.

What is more certain, Professor Allan said, is that global warming is ‘intensifying the heatwaves, droughts and deluges where and when they occur’.

Europe has been hit by back-to-back extreme heatwaves. Pictured is a view of the beach of Torre Faro Pilone near Messina on the island of Sicily, crowded with bathers earlier this month

Europe has been hit by back-to-back extreme heatwaves. Pictured is a view of the beach of Torre Faro Pilone near Messina on the island of Sicily, crowded with bathers earlier this month

Ablaze: Back-to-back heatwaves have ushered in record-breaking temperatures in Europe and wildfires across the Greek islands of Rhodes (pictured) and Corfu

Ablaze: Back-to-back heatwaves have ushered in record-breaking temperatures in Europe and wildfires across the Greek islands of Rhodes (pictured) and Corfu

‘Without rapid cuts in the climate warming greenhouse gases we’re emitting, these extremes of weather across the world will continue to worsen,’ he added.

Professor Arnell said climate change ‘has two big effects’.

‘The first is to raise temperatures in general, so when blocking conditions arise then the resulting heatwave is more intense. 

‘The second effect is on what we call the dynamics of weather – the features such as cyclones, anticyclones, jet streams and blocking patterns. 

‘This is effect is much more complicated to unravel, but it’s fair to say that climate change has disrupted these dynamic systems because it alters the temperature gradients between equator and pole and it has led to warmer sea surface temperatures. 

‘So whilst we can’t say yet that what is happening now is totally due to climate change, we can say that it is consistent with what we expect the effects of climate change to be.’

He added: ‘We’re poking the climate system by adding greenhouse gases, and we therefore can no longer expect to get “normal” weather.’

Whether climate change is making blocked weather patterns more likely or not, it is certainly intensifying the extremes when they do get locked in for longer in a certain region.

At the moment that’s a cold spell for the UK. Last month it was a heatwave. The question is what will follow next month and beyond.

WHAT ARE THE MAIN AIR MASSES SWIRLING ABOVE BRITAIN?

There are five main air masses above Britain, along with a sixth one that is a variation of one of them.

The UK is more likely to get maritime air masses because our weather primarily comes from the west. The reason for this is because of the direction the Earth spins, leading us to experience prevailing westerly winds.

Although Britain does get air masses arriving from the east, too, they’re not as common, forecasters say. 

Which weather will we get? There are five main air masses that battle it out above Britain. They include the Polar Maritime, Arctic Maritime, Polar Continental, Tropical Continental and Tropical Maritime. A sixth air mass, known as the returning Polar Maritime, also affects the UK

Which weather will we get? There are five main air masses that battle it out above Britain. They include the Polar Maritime, Arctic Maritime, Polar Continental, Tropical Continental and Tropical Maritime. A sixth air mass, known as the returning Polar Maritime, also affects the UK

Polar Maritime

Arriving from Greenland and the Arctic Sea, it brings wet and cold air that leads to chilly and showery weather. 

Arctic Maritime

As its name suggests, this air mass comes from the Arctic. It brings with it wet and cold air that causes snowfall in the winter.

Polar Continental

When the Beast from the East struck Britain in 2018, the bone-chilling air was Polar Continental and came from Siberia. It brings hot air in the summer and cold in the winter, leading to dry summers and snowy winters.

Tropical Continental

Everybody’s favourite summer air mass, the Tropical Continental is what gives us heatwaves and bags of sunshine. The air is hot and dry and comes from North Africa. 

Tropical Maritime

Arriving from the Atlantic Ocean, this warm and moist air brings cloud, rain and mild temperatures to the UK. 

Returning Polar Maritime

The returning Polar Maritime is a variation of the Polar Maritime. 

However, it takes the air first southwards over the north Atlantic, then north-eastwards across the UK.

During its passage south, the air becomes unstable and moist but on moving north-east it passes over cooler water, making it more stable.

It brings largely dry weather and cloud. 



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Warmer weather sees migration of African ‘rainbow birds’ to UK  https://latestnews.top/warmer-weather-sees-migration-of-african-rainbow-birds-to-uk/ https://latestnews.top/warmer-weather-sees-migration-of-african-rainbow-birds-to-uk/#respond Sun, 18 Jun 2023 19:32:14 +0000 https://latestnews.top/2023/06/18/warmer-weather-sees-migration-of-african-rainbow-birds-to-uk/ Warmer weather sees migration of African ‘rainbow birds’ to UK By Madeleine Ross Published: 20:28 EDT, 15 June 2023 | Updated: 20:28 EDT, 15 June 2023 Rainbow birds not normally seen in the UK have established a breeding colony, thanks to warmer temperatures caused by climate change.  Eight bee-eaters, distinctive blue, yellow and orange birds, […]]]>


Warmer weather sees migration of African ‘rainbow birds’ to UK

Rainbow birds not normally seen in the UK have established a breeding colony, thanks to warmer temperatures caused by climate change

Eight bee-eaters, distinctive blue, yellow and orange birds, have returned to a Norfolk quarry for the second year running. 

It is the first time the birds, which are normally seen in Africa, have travelled to the same location in consecutive years and marks the seventh breeding attempt in England in the last 20 years. 

Dozens of birdwatchers have been drawn to the site by the small birds since they were spotted at the end of May by local twitcher Andy Chamberlain. 

Bee-eaters typically migrate north from southern Africa to breed in the Mediterranean and north Africa and previously have appeared in the UK when deviating from their usual routes.

Eight bee-eaters, distinctive blue, yellow and orange birds, have returned to a Norfolk quarry for the second year running

Eight bee-eaters, distinctive blue, yellow and orange birds, have returned to a Norfolk quarry for the second year running

Sightings of the rainbow birds in the UK are becoming more common as temperatures increase. 

Head of investigations at bird charity the RSPB, Mark Thomas, told The Telegraph that Bee-eaters are like ‘no other bird’ found in the UK. 

‘Not only are they indescribably beautiful in their ice-lolly colours but they put on a great show as they leap to catch flying insects mid-air. 

He added: ‘This could be the start of bee-eaters properly colonising the UK and a sign that they  may become a regular feature of the great British summer.’ 





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You thought it was hot now! Scientists predict the UK’s average weather in the year 2080 https://latestnews.top/you-thought-it-was-hot-now-scientists-predict-the-uks-average-weather-in-the-year-2080/ https://latestnews.top/you-thought-it-was-hot-now-scientists-predict-the-uks-average-weather-in-the-year-2080/#respond Wed, 14 Jun 2023 13:17:01 +0000 https://latestnews.top/2023/06/14/you-thought-it-was-hot-now-scientists-predict-the-uks-average-weather-in-the-year-2080/ Britain is in the midst of the first spell of unbearably hot weather for the year but it could be just a taster of what’s to come in a few decades.  Scientists predict that temperatures across the UK in 2080 will be high enough to trigger ‘wide-scale mortality’, much like the European heatwave of 2003.  In […]]]>


Britain is in the midst of the first spell of unbearably hot weather for the year but it could be just a taster of what’s to come in a few decades. 

Scientists predict that temperatures across the UK in 2080 will be high enough to trigger ‘wide-scale mortality’, much like the European heatwave of 2003

In a single summer week in 2080, temperatures will hit 41C (105F) in London while weekly averages will be 28C (82F) in large parts of southern England. 

This compares to London’s peak summertime temperatures of 31C (87F) and southern England’s weekly averages of 20C (68°F) in the 1970s.

Manchester, meanwhile, will push past 38C (100F) at least once a week during a 2080s summer, and Plymouth and Glasgow will likely hit 35C (95F) weekly.  

The study predicts peak summertime temperatures of 41C in London, and weekly averages of 28C in large parts of southern England. This compares to 31C and 20C in the 1970s. Image shows daily maximum temperatures in the UK for the 1970s (left) and projections for the 2080s (right)

The study predicts peak summertime temperatures of 41C in London, and weekly averages of 28C in large parts of southern England. This compares to 31C and 20C in the 1970s. Image shows daily maximum temperatures in the UK for the 1970s (left) and projections for the 2080s (right)

Temperature projections for London, Plymouth, Manchester and Glasgow during an 'example extreme week' in 2080, likely a heatwave in the summer. Temperatures for 2080 are indicated by the red line in each graph, as well as other decades both past and present in other colours

Temperature projections for London, Plymouth, Manchester and Glasgow during an ‘example extreme week’ in 2080, likely a heatwave in the summer. Temperatures for 2080 are indicated by the red line in each graph, as well as other decades both past and present in other colours

Last year, the UK set a new temperature record of 40.3C (104.5F) – but multiple regions will push past this on a weekly basis by 2080, the predictions show. 

Peak summer temperatures in the 2080s

London: 105°F (41°C)

Manchester: 100°F (38°C)

Plymouth: 96°F (36°C)

Glasgow: 95°F (35°C)  

Temperatures in the biggest cities, namely London, tend to be hotter than the rest of the UK – and will continue to be so in the 2080s – due to densely-packed buildings and more concrete and tarmac that absorb heat more quickly. 

The study was led by Professor David Coley at the University of Bath’s Department of Architecture and Civil Engineering, who stresses that it is in the extremes of weather, not the mean climate, where much climate change risk lies. 

‘Climate change is normally discussed in terms of seasonal averages, as this is what is meant by the word climate,’ said Professor Coley. 

‘I believe this a possible mistake, as few of us naturally grasp how even small differences in climate imply hugely different worlds.’ 

The team cite the European heatwave of 2003, which killed 14,000 people in Paris alone, showing the dangers of extreme temperatures rather than average temperatures. 

In the last 20 years alone there has been a 54 per cent increase in heat-related mortality in people older than 65, with a total of 296,000 deaths in 2018. 

‘It’s such heatwaves and cold snaps, and a lack of preparation for them, that will increasingly kill people,’ said Professor Coley. 

‘We need to think about climate change in terms of changing weather.’

The annual mean temperatures in the UK by 2080, as predicted by the researchers

Maximum temperature for a typical summer's day in 2080s

Scientists predict that temperatures across the UK in 2080 will be high enough to trigger ‘wide-scale mortality’, much like the European heatwave of 2003  

Britain is going through the first spell of unbearably hot weather for the year, following record-breaking temperatures set in 2022

Britain is going through the first spell of unbearably hot weather for the year, following record-breaking temperatures set in 2022

For their study, Professor Coley and colleagues produced a series of detailed weather projections for 11,326 UK locations at 3-mile-square intervals for the year 2080. 

Using weather generator software and a newly developed algorithm, the team built upon Met Office climate predictions to create the projections.

After inputting the climate prediction data into the software, the weather generator produced 3,000 examples of possible weather forecasts for 2080. 

By then looking for heatwaves and examining how they changed over time, they discovered that there will be heatwaves of similar form as the 2003 Paris event.

However, these will be ‘with even higher temperatures’, suggesting the likelihood of ‘largescale mortality’. 

The authors say climate change has the potential to undermine many of the gains in public health over the past 50 years, which will ‘exacerbate existing inequities’.

Vulnerable populations, such as the elderly or those with pre-existing medical conditions, will be disproportionally affected. 

‘Exposure to high temperatures impact individuals via various routes from heat stress and heatstroke to exacerbations of respiratory and cardiovascular disease,’ they write. 

Photo from the 2003 heatwave in Paris, which the researchers say killed 14,000 people in the city

Photo from the 2003 heatwave in Paris, which the researchers say killed 14,000 people in the city

Hundreds of people enjoy the sun on Brighton beach during the European heatwave of 2003

Hundreds of people enjoy the sun on Brighton beach during the European heatwave of 2003

Graphical abstract from the study. Heatwaves for the 2080s in London 'indicated life-threatening risk'

Graphical abstract from the study. Heatwaves for the 2080s in London ‘indicated life-threatening risk’

What’s more, the UK is badly prepared for temperature increases as buildings and infrastructure are not heat-resistant enough

‘No temperature record exists of the internal conditions within the buildings in which the 14,000 deaths occurred in Paris in 2003,’ the team say. 

‘The predicted situation in London is similar to that found in Paris, but with the peak temperature being higher in London and the night-time temperature in London being considerably higher. 

‘It would therefore not be unreasonable to conclude that in the future the UK can expect events with moralities of similar number as Paris suffered.’ 

Weather files containing the extreme weeks for 11,326 locations have been prepared by the academics and made available online, while the study has been published in the journal Building and Environment.

Life-threatening temperatures above 40C will be up to TEN TIMES more common in Britain by the end of the century, study warns 

Life-threatening temperatures above 40C will be up to ten times more common in Britain by the end of the century, a study found. 

Researchers looked at future climate projections to see how global exposure to ‘dangerous environments’ will increase in the coming decades. 

By 2100, a ‘dangerous’ temperature of 39.4C (103F) will be three to ten times more common by 2100 in mid-latitude countries such as the UK and the US. 

More than half the year ‘will be a challenge to work outside’ in countries along the equator because of scorching weather by 2100, although ‘deadly’ heatwaves could happen every year in the mid-latitude countries too. 

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BUSINESS LIVE: Pennon hit by extreme weather; Dr Martens profits slump https://latestnews.top/business-live-pennon-hit-by-extreme-weather-dr-martens-profits-slump/ https://latestnews.top/business-live-pennon-hit-by-extreme-weather-dr-martens-profits-slump/#respond Thu, 01 Jun 2023 12:34:04 +0000 https://latestnews.top/2023/06/01/business-live-pennon-hit-by-extreme-weather-dr-martens-profits-slump/ BUSINESS LIVE: Pennon profits hammered by extreme weather; Dr Martens earnings slump as US demand wanes; Auto Trader ups dividend By Live Commentary Updated: 07:50 EDT, 1 June 2023 Share or comment on this article: Some links in this article may be affiliate links. If you click on them we may earn a small commission. […]]]>



BUSINESS LIVE: Pennon profits hammered by extreme weather; Dr Martens earnings slump as US demand wanes; Auto Trader ups dividend




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