Atmospheric Systems: UK Heatwave, 2013 Flashcards
1
Q
What happened? (6)
A
- UK’s most notable summer heatwave in July since heatwave in 2006.
- High day time temps exceeding 28 degrees, exceeding 30 degrees on some days.
- Overall, UK received 84% of normal rainfall, making it the driest July since 2006.
- Driest and hottest in South West England, East Anglia and least in central areas.
- Was due to anticyclone - lack of rainfall, so ground was dry and quickly warmed up in strong sun and transferred the warmth to air above it.
- Hardly any cloud to stop heat from sun, light winds meant heat didn’t disperse.
2
Q
What were the SOCIO-ECONOMIC impacts? (5)
A
- Bad for people’s health as not used to prolonged warm weather - risks to vulnerable groups: children and elderly.
- Raised risk of fire, wildfires in London.
- Generally happy mood due to warm, sunny weather.
- Boost for tourism.
- Lightning affected train and tram services in parts of Manchester, Birmingham and Edinburgh.
3
Q
What were the ENVIRONMENTAL impacts? (3)
A
- For the 19 day period from 3rd to 21st July, most parts of England and Wales received little or no rain (typically less than 1mm).
- Storms resulted in flash flooding problems (on 23rd July, 35.6mm was recorded in 1 hour in Nottingham), dry hard ground resulted in rapid run-off.
- Flooding in Nottinghamshire on 23rd, around Glasgow on 25th and West Yorkshire on the 30th.
4
Q
What were the responses?
A
- Advice given by NHS on news and online as temperatures of 30 degrees in the day and 15 degrees overnight triggered a health alert and could make heart or breathing problems worse.
- The Meteorological office has a warning system that issues alerts if a heatwave is likely.
- Met Office and NHS gave advice on heat e.g. stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm if you’re vulnerable to the effects of heat.
- NHS website gives advice on how to contact local authorities.
5
Q
How much rainfall did the UK receive?
A
84% of normal average
6
Q
How long did it last?
A
19 days
7
Q
Flash flooding example?
A
July 23rd, 35.6mm of rain was recorded in 1 hour in Nottingham
