Latest news with #Claydon
The Independent
28-04-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
Warning over high pollen and UV levels as temperatures set to hit 29C
Warnings have been issued over high levels of pollen and ultraviolet (UV) rays as the UK prepares for the warmest week of the year so far, the Met Office said. Highs of 25C are likely on Monday and temperatures are expected to rise each day until a peak of 29C on Thursday, the Met Office said. The conditions prompted the forecaster to warn people to take precautions when outside. Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: 'Two areas people should be aware of during this warm spell are high pollen and high UV. 'Obviously, hay fever sufferers should be aware of this as well.' Prolonged exposure to UV rays, emitted by the sun, can lead to sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer. People can protect themselves by wearing at least factor 30 sunscreen, spending regular time in the shade and wearing suitable clothing, according to NHS guidance. People who suffer from pollen allergies should try to keep the particles out of their eyes, face and hair by staying indoors if they can, or by wearing a mask and hat when outside, medical charity Allergy UK said. They are also advised to shower and wash their hair regularly, and to remove the top layer of clothing when coming indoors. The Met Office and London Fire Brigade have also urged caution around open water swimming after last month saw a 32% increase in water-related incidents compared with the same period last year, the LFB said. Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: 'Whether you're walking by the river, spending time by canals or taking part in water-based activities, it's important to be aware of the risks and take simple precautions to stay safe around London's waterways. 'Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are. 'It can lead to water inhalation and, in the worst cases, drowning. Be particularly careful near the water's edge, it's easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. 'And think twice before jumping into open water.' In the first quarter of 2025, LFB crews responded to 160 water-related incidents, averaging more than 13 per week compared with fewer than 11 a week in 2024, LFB said. There may also be an increased risk of wildfires as the warm temperatures follow a spell of dry weather in April and March, Mr Claydon said. So far in April, the UK has only recorded 51% of its average rainfall for this month, which Mr Claydon said is 'well below average'. Rain is expected later in the week, he added, with 'some showers developing in the south of England through Thursday and into Friday'. Temperature records for April and May are unlikely to be broken this week as the record for April stands at 29.4C, and May's record is 32.8C, the Met Office said. If temperatures reached 30C, it would be the earliest time of year for that figure to be recorded in the UK, with current record being May 12 in 1945, Mr Claydon said.
The Herald Scotland
28-04-2025
- Climate
- The Herald Scotland
Warning over high pollen and UV levels as temperatures set to hit 29C
The conditions prompted the forecaster to warn people to take precautions when outside. Temperatures are set to rise across the UK during the coming days. Many of us can expect to see temperatures climb into the low to mid twenties, with locally high twenties for some by Thursday. This is well above the late-April/early-May norm, which is usually 12-17°C. — Met Office (@metoffice) April 28, 2025 Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon said: 'Two areas people should be aware of during this warm spell are high pollen and high UV. 'Obviously, hay fever sufferers should be aware of this as well.' Prolonged exposure to UV rays, emitted by the sun, can lead to sunburn and an increased risk of skin cancer. People can protect themselves by wearing at least factor 30 sunscreen, spending regular time in the shade and wearing suitable clothing, according to NHS guidance. People who suffer from pollen allergies should try to keep the particles out of their eyes, face and hair by staying indoors if they can, or by wearing a mask and hat when outside, medical charity Allergy UK said. They are also advised to shower and wash their hair regularly, and to remove the top layer of clothing when coming indoors. How can you stay safe when swimming in open water? The water may look inviting in warm weather, but it can be very chilly at this time of year. Follow this advice ⤵️ ▶️ Stop & think ▶️ Stay together▶️ Call 999 in an emergency & float More ⤵️ — Met Office (@metoffice) April 28, 2025 The Met Office and London Fire Brigade have also urged caution around open water swimming after last month saw a 32% increase in water-related incidents compared with the same period last year, the LFB said. Craig Carter, LFB assistant commissioner for prevention and protection, said: 'Whether you're walking by the river, spending time by canals or taking part in water-based activities, it's important to be aware of the risks and take simple precautions to stay safe around London's waterways. 'Even when the sun is shining, water temperatures can be dangerously cold. Cold water shock can affect anyone, no matter how fit or experienced they are. 'It can lead to water inhalation and, in the worst cases, drowning. Be particularly careful near the water's edge, it's easy to slip and fall unexpectedly. 'And think twice before jumping into open water.' In the first quarter of 2025, LFB crews responded to 160 water-related incidents, averaging more than 13 per week compared with fewer than 11 a week in 2024, LFB said. Will sunshine or rain prevail over the coming week? ☀️☔ Find out now with our look ahead ⬇️ — Met Office (@metoffice) April 28, 2025 There may also be an increased risk of wildfires as the warm temperatures follow a spell of dry weather in April and March, Mr Claydon said. So far in April, the UK has only recorded 51% of its average rainfall for this month, which Mr Claydon said is 'well below average'. Rain is expected later in the week, he added, with 'some showers developing in the south of England through Thursday and into Friday'. Temperature records for April and May are unlikely to be broken this week as the record for April stands at 29.4C, and May's record is 32.8C, the Met Office said. If temperatures reached 30C, it would be the earliest time of year for that figure to be recorded in the UK, with current record being May 12 in 1945, Mr Claydon said.
Daily Mail
28-04-2025
- Climate
- Daily Mail
UK breaks worrying wildfire record: 113 sq miles of land has already been burnt this year - due to unusually dry spring conditions
The amount of UK land burnt by wildfires has already smashed the all-time record, just four months into the year. Since the start of 2025, more than 113 square miles (292 square km or 29,200 hectares) of land has been consumed by fires raging across the country. That is already greater than the previous record of 108 square miles (281 square km) burnt throughout the entirety of 2019, according to data collected by Global Wildfire Information System (GWIS) since 2012. And experts warn that the worst could still be yet to come. Although wildfires are common during early spring, the number of fires in some parts of the country has been up over 1,200 per cent. According to experts, the UK's record-breaking blazes have been driven by an exceptionally hot and dry March and April, likely linked with climate change. Oliver Claydon, a spokesperson for the Met Office, told MailOnline: 'During dry Springs, there is an elevated chance of wildfire outbreaks in grassland and heather heaths. 'This is often due to the presence of dead undergrowth from the previous year, together with a lack of new plant growth that might otherwise impede the ignition and spread of fires.' This year, several parts of the UK have been struck by unusually large wildfires. The most devastating period, according to GWIS data, was the seven-day stretch from April 2 to April 8 in which over 69 square miles (180 square km) of land was burnt. The largest blazes have occurred in the Scottish Highlands, Northern Ireland, and parts of Wales. A fire in the Galloway Forest Park, located in south-west Scotland, destroyed 25 square miles (65 square km) according to BBC analysis. Likewise, a fire just 16 miles (25km) from Aberystwyth destroyed roughly 20 square miles (50 square km). Meanwhile, Abergwesyn Common in Powys, Wales was struck by a fire which burnt a further six square miles (16 km square). Although most fires are started by humans, either deliberately or accidentally, natural conditions make it easier for fires to ignite and spread. The Met Office says that this year's fires are the product of a wet autumn followed by a warm and dry spring. The Met Office says that last March was the sunniest since records began in 1910 (illustrated left) while the UK only received 43 per cent of the average rainfall for the month (illustrated right) Mr Claydon says: 'We had an exceptionally dry and sunny March, this followed quite a wet autumn and winter which can have the effect of increasing the vegetation that acts as fuel for any fire that does start.' According to the Met Office data, this March was the sunniest since records began in 1910, with some areas of Wales and England getting 150 per cent of the average sunshine. The month was also exceptionally dry, with the UK receiving just 43 per cent of its average rainfall for March. These conditions led to the fire risk for England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and parts of Scotland being escalated to 'severe' by the start of April. Researchers warn that the conditions for dangerous fires are becoming more common as human-caused climate change continues to disrupt the climate. Mr Claydon says: 'Current climate change projections suggest that we are likely to see an increase in the conditions needed for wildfire across the UK as temperatures increase, and spells of low rainfall become more common.' Research conducted by the Met Office found that the damaging fires during the UK's record-breaking 2022 heatwave were made at least six times more likely due to human-caused climate change Although the recent bout of wet weather has largely brought this month's blazes to an end, the UK's wildfire woes are far from over. The peak of wildfire season typically comes later in the year when the warm weather has dried out the vegetation again. 'We are of course still in spring, but further dry, warm and breezy spells could again increase the wildfire risk through summer,' says Mr Clayton. He adds that it is 'too far ahead to make any predictions for the summer ahead at this stage'. Yet the UK's record-breaking spring has led some experts to worry that the worst may be yet to come. Likewise, Guillermo Rein, professor of fire science at Imperial College London, told the BBC: 'My number one worry is what is going to happen in the summer. 'There are fewer wildfires but they are bigger and they can actually be seriously catastrophic. 'You can have 100 [small] wildfires across the whole country and all of them can be handled in one day, or you could have one summer wildfire that actually cannot be stopped in a week and actually goes on to burn houses.' The increased wildfire risk means there will be more pressure on the UK's already stretched firefighting services. A spokesperson for the National Fire Chiefs Council told MailOnline: 'So far this year, we have experienced more than double the number of wildfires we saw for the same period in 2022 – which went on to be a record year for wildfires. 'It is early days yet, but if we continue to have warm weather and rising wildfire numbers, then we could surpass what we saw in 2022. 'One inconsiderate action or small mistake can lead to a significant wildfire. 'So we are asking that people take that extra care to prevent wildfires, including by avoiding the use of disposable barbecues in open countryside, parks and moorland areas, and by not discarding cigarettes, matches or glass bottles that could ignite dry vegetation.' HOW ARE WILDFIRES STARTED? The 'Thomas Fire' destroyed 281,893 acres in California in December 2017. Additionally, British Columbia's Nazko Complex Fire last year consumed more than a million acres, making it the largest ever recorded in the province. But the amount of land destroyed by wildfires each year will only go up in western and northern North America in the years to come, according to a new report published in the journal Plos One. Up to 90 percent of US wildfires are caused by people, according to the Insurance Information Institute. These fires can be initiated by unattended campfires, piles of burning debris, haphazardly discarded cigarettes or arson.
The Independent
24-04-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
When will the ‘mini heatwave' hit the UK after 24C temperatures forecast?
Temperatures are set to climb across the UK in the coming days, with parts of the country on track to bask in some early summer warmth as a mini heatwave arrives. Warmer weather is predicted to arrive across the UK with more sunshine and a shift in the wind direction, the Met Office said. The forecaster said temperatures in south-eastern and central England could reach 23 to 24C on Tuesday, falling short of an official heatwave, but marking a 'very warm spell' with some areas expected to see up to 10C above the seasonal average. Friday to Sunday Saturday's temperatures will be between 13 and 17C, and there may be some rain in the western regions. The UK's eastern regions should remain dry, although there will be a lot of clouds, according to the forecaster. The 56,000 people taking part in the London Marathon will see highs of 22C in the capital on Sunday, with a current 'settled' spell of weather meaning up to 24C could also be possible in the South East by Monday. For those participating in the Manchester Marathon on Sunday, there will be spells of sunshine. Temperatures will peak at 17C in the afternoon, and a gentle south-westerly breeze will cool down runners. Met Office spokesperson Oli Claydon said it looks like both the Manchester and London marathons will stay dry. Elsewhere across the country, he explained that a band of rain will move into western Scotland and Northern Ireland on Sunday morning, but it is expected to 'break up pretty quickly' and turn into scattered showers. These may bring some rain and clouds to parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the far north of England, though 'conditions [will be] better for the South and across England and Wales'. A heavy band of rain will affect Northern Ireland and some other westernmost areas on Friday before slowly clearing to the east overnight, but no weather warnings have been issued, the forecaster said. Dry conditions and lighter winds are expected elsewhere across the UK, with low cloud and the chance of the odd shower clearing to give some warm spells of sunshine and highs of 18C in the South East. Saturday will likely see patchy rain initially moving east across most of Scotland, England and Wales, with brighter conditions further north before sunny spells develop more widely into the afternoon. Temperatures will stay around average with highs of 18C, but will 'start to tick up' as the weekend progresses, particularly on Sunday, Mr Claydon said. Next week While northern regions of the UK will continue to see some clouds and scattered showers on Monday, the rest of the country will stay dry and bright with temperatures of up to 24C in the South East. The Met Office said the UK is most likely to start 'widely fine with sunny spells' once early mist and fog clear, particularly in the south. Northern areas, however, are expected to see more clouds, which could take longer to lift. There is a small chance that very warm, fine weather could spread across the whole country in the following days, but the more likely scenario is that cloud and rain from the North West will move South East, bringing cooler and more changeable conditions by midweek. 'Generally speaking over the outlook, (it is) relatively settled with incursions of clouded rain at times, but some good sunny spells with temperatures increasing as we go into the start of next week,' the forecaster added.
The Independent
24-04-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
London Marathon weather forecast as 56,000 runners expected in record-breaking race
Runners in the TCS London Marathon can expect dry, sunny conditions this weekend, with temperatures set to climb across the country in the coming days. As many as 56,000 participants are anticipated for the 45th edition of the race on Sunday, potentially making it the world's largest marathon if the number of finishers exceeds the 55,646 who completed the New York Marathon last November. Temperatures in London could reach 22C on Sunday, and the Met Office predicts the settled weather could bring highs of 24C to the South East by Monday. The forecast bodes well for the thousands tackling the 26.2-mile course. Saturday will see the TCS Mini London Marathon, with approximately 17,000 children participating in the one-mile (2.6km) event. Met Office spokesman Oli Claydon confirmed the favorable outlook, stating, "It's looking like the marathons for both Manchester and London will be dry." 'There is an area of rain that's going to push into western parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland through Sunday morning. It'll break up pretty quickly and fragment into showers through the morning, bringing some rain and cloud across Scotland, Northern Ireland and far north of England, but conditions better for the South and across England and Wales. 'Temperatures shouldn't be a problem for the morning, but the temperature will build during the day. 'Highs of potentially 22 degrees (are likely) in south-eastern England, but obviously that max won't be seen until mid afternoon, so with most people getting under way in the morning, hopefully the cooler morning temperatures will be more comfortable for the runners.' A heavy band of rain will affect Northern Ireland and some other westernmost areas on Friday before slowly clearing to the east overnight, but no weather warnings have been issued, the forecaster said. Dry conditions and lighter winds are expected elsewhere across the UK, with low cloud and the chance of the odd shower clearing to give some warm spells of sunshine and highs of 18C in the South East. Saturday will likely see patchy rain initially moving east across most of Scotland, England and Wales, with brighter conditions further north before sunny spells develop more widely into the afternoon. Temperatures will stay around average with highs of 18C but 'do start to tick up' as the weekend progresses, particularly on Sunday, Mr Claydon said. While northern regions of the UK will continue to see some cloud and scattered showers on Monday, the rest of the country will stay dry and bright with temperatures of up to 24C in the South East. 'Generally speaking over the outlook, (it is) relatively settled with incursions of clouded rain at times, but some good sunny spells with temperatures increasing as we go into the start of next week,' the forecaster added.
