◆The Met Office stated that El Niño is developing across the Pacific Ocean with impacts rippling globally.
◆Professor Adam Scaife, head of long-range forecasts at the Met Office, said he has not seen an event like this developing in forecasts before and described the scale of the growing El Niño as unprecedented in modern climate records.
◆The Met Office predicts an increased chance of wet and stormy autumn and early winter weather in the UK, particularly in November and December.
The Met Office reported that an unprecedented developing El Niño will likely increase the probability of wet, stormy autumn and early winter weather in the UK, with peak conditions expected by the end of 2026. Professor Adam Scaife highlighted the uniqueness of the current forecast signals, while scientists noted that although El Niño typically raises global average temperatures by 0.2C, global warming remains the primary driver of extreme heat risks in the UK.
LOADED LANGUAGE:profound impactsdisruptionunprecedentedgood newsgripmost extreme flooding on record
◆England and Wales experienced the driest July on record.
◆Reservoir levels in the region are described as 'exceptionally low'.
◆Rain is forecast to arrive in England and Wales.
Following a record-breaking dry July in England and Wales, rain is approaching while reservoirs remain at exceptionally low levels. The Guardian's Science Weekly podcast featured hydrology lecturer Dr. Anna Murgatroyd discussing whether the incoming rain will replenish water stocks and prevent future shortages. The interview also examined the heightened risk of flooding and outlined steps for water conservation.