Weather hazards in the UK Flashcards
Thunderstorms
In July 2014 dramatic electrical storms resulted in 3000 lightning strikes across southem Britain following a period of hot weather. Torrential rainfall associated with thunderstorms can result in sudden flash’ flooding as happened in Boscastle in Cornwall in 2004.
Prolonged rainfall
Persistent rainfall over a long period can lead to river floods. This is common in the UK especially during the late winter and early spring when snowmelt makes the problem worse. During the very wet winter of 2014 flooding was widespread across much of southern England.
Drought and extreme heat
The UK has experienced long spells of dry,
Boscastle flash flood, 2004
hot weather resulting in drought. Rivers can dry up and reservoirs become dangerously low, which affects water supplies and wildlife.
Very high temperatures - heatwaves - can be dangerous to frail and elderly people. In 2003 much of Europe suffered the most extreme heatwave for 500 years. Over 20000 people died, and several countries, including the UK, recorded their highest ever temperatures.
Heavy snow and extreme cold
Long periods of severe winter weather have become less common in recent years, but there are occasions when heavy snow and severe cold can cause great hardship to people particularly in the north of the UK.
Strong winds
The UK does occasionally get battered by strong winds. Sometimes the remnante of hurricanes travel over the Atlantic from the USA and Caribbean. These can cause disruption to power supplies and damage from fallen trees. Read about the strong winds that hit the UK In February 2014.
Why does extreme weather occur in the UK?
The UK is rather like a roundabout because it is at the meeting point of several different types of weather from different directions. This explains why we experience such varied weather from week to week and how occasionally we can be affected by extreme weather events.
