Tuesday 10th February
The weather on Monday was such an improvement over recent days being dry during daylight hours and very welcome modest sunshine. However, light rain returned in the evening just before 18.00, falling to light drizzle and fading out by 22.00, that amounted to 2.8mm. Once gain, due to the persistent cloud cover overnight limiting loss of warmth into the atmosphere, there was little variation between the maximum of 9.7C logged at 11.40 and the minimum of 7.2C recorded at 03.35, both being above average at +1.4C and a significant +5.3C respectively. The last three twenty-four hour periods have shown a consistency of minimal diurnal range, however, the minimum recorded for those three nights was exactly the same at 7.2C.
After a welcome dry day on Monday we are back to the recent pattern of damp, wet days as Tuesday will see two weather fronts crossing our area producing a wet day, mainly light rain towards the afternoon, following a drizzly start to the new day. It started with the cloud base so low it draped the Marlborough Downs and Savernake Forest after first light being classed as fog with the visibility being restricted to a range of around 800m.
There is confidence of a possible short lived change in the recent mild, wet days as the high pressure recedes further towards Eastern Europe that will allow depressions to also progress further eastwards towards the Continent. This will, for a brief period, see the wind back into the east on Friday and North on Saturday with a resultant drop in temperatures by day and night. However, this change is forecast to be brief, returning to possible damp conditions into the following week.
Part 2 of Met Office report on upgrades
The upgraded system will deliver a clearer view of storm intensity around the world, strengthening global safety and humanitarian planning. It will extend our global forecasting out to 10 days, giving earlier insight into potentially disruptive weather. This will enable meteorologists to issue weather warnings further in advance and will help emergency responders and government partners prepare sooner, strengthening the UK’s overall resilience and early warning capability.
Met Office Director of Science, Professor Simon Vosper said: “This is the biggest positive step in our forecasting systems for many years. The improvements we’re introducing will make our forecasts more accurate, more useful and more reflective of real-world weather. It marks the beginning of a new era powered by our supercomputing investment and will deliver substantial benefits for the public, partners and sectors across the UK.”
“This upgrade marks an important step forward in global weather and climate capability, reflecting years of collaboration between the Met Office, UK research partners funded by NERC, and leading modelling centres across the world. It demonstrates how working together internationally enables us to deliver more trusted, scientifically advanced forecasts that help strengthen resilience for everyone.”
This is the first major scientific advancement delivered using the Met Office’s new supercomputer, showcasing UK leadership in high performance computing and weather science. It reflects our commitment to innovation and strengthens the UK’s position as a global leader in weather and climate science, while showcasing how government investment is transforming the nation’s ability to prepare for and respond to weather related challenges.
Science Minister Lord Vallance said: “The Met Office’s new supercomputer has allowed more accurate forecasting, particularly for cloud and fog, two difficult areas for forecasting.
“Improvements in weather science benefit us all, from more flights running on time, to roads being gritted when they need to be, to enabling earlier preparations for storms that risk lives and damage to homes and businesses.”
These improvements will make weather forecast clearer, more usable and more relevant, it ensures the public, businesses and emergency services receive the most trusted and up- to date guidance, supporting informed decisions and helping communities stay safe, prepared and resilient.