England and Wales sizzled in warmest spring on record, Met Office figures show
England and Wales have experienced the warmest spring in history, according to provisional figures released by the Met Office.
In the period from March 1 to May 31, the seasonal average temperature in the two countries reached its highest level since comparable data began in 1884.
The Met Office said the unprecedented heat was significantly influenced by “an exceptionally early and record-breaking spell of heat at the end of May”.
Scotland recorded its eighth warmest spring, while Northern Ireland recorded its sixth warmest spring.
Across the UK this was the third warmest spring on record.
Met Office scientist Dr. “This spring highlights both the natural variability of weather in the UK and the long-term warming we are observing,” Emily Carlisle said.
“Although conditions varied throughout the season, average temperatures over the entire three-month meteorological spring were among the 10 warmest recorded in the UK.
“While we expect year-to-year fluctuations, this spring illustrates some of the changes we are seeing in our weather patterns, with more extreme conditions becoming more frequent.
“The fact that nine of the 10 warmest springs in the UK have occurred since 2007 demonstrates this ongoing shift in the UK’s climate.”
The Environment Agency said a meeting of the National Drought Group will be held in the next few weeks to assess the impact of the recent heatwave.
Some counties in the south and east of England received just a third of their average rainfall this spring, according to provisional figures from the Met Office.
Cambridgeshire achieved 35 per cent of the season’s long-term average, while Essex achieved 34 per cent and Kent and Suffolk achieved 33 per cent.
Helen Wakeham, Environment Agency water director and chair of the National Drought Group, said: “No part of England is currently experiencing drought, but the risk increases the longer it stays hot and dry.
“While the last heatwave saw significant peaks in demand for water, river flows have fallen and reservoir levels have decreased due to the very dry spring.
“We continue to monitor the situation closely and have convened a National Drought Group meeting in the coming weeks, so we are prepared should dry conditions continue.”
