It's not as boring as you may think...

Although the weather has seemed to be rather boring and settled over the past few weeks, it has just been a continuation of the current dry spell we have been in for nearly two months now. The Channel Island of Jersey' fire service has issued a wildfire alert. This is because of the record-breaking temperatures that were seen in April, combined with next to zero rainfall. However, this is not the case for just this particular location, it is a similar situation across much of Southern and Eastern England and even Europe. The reason for this lack of rainfall and high pressure, is that although there are plenty of low pressure systems around, they are in the North. As they move South, high pressure situated over Europe blocks the low pressure and the rain fades out to nothing as it moves south. During April the high pressure had a much more dominant effect over much of the country because there was high pressure situated over Scandinavia (For Amos that is the group of countries in the North of Europe) as well as in the South. A picture of a reservoir in England (right) during the current dry spell.

For most of us, the dry and warm weather is not set to end, with temperatures becoming warmer again through next week. The BBC weather centre bring out an extended forecast every Monday so I will be looking to that for further information on whether there is the chance of a rainy spell over the next few months. If there is not rain soon, it looks as if it will be another summer full of droughts and hosepipe-bans. Hopefully it will rain soon, but it looks as if this will not be the case.

Now for some international weather news. The Ukrainian national broadcaster has suspended its live weather forecasts after the uproar caused by remarks made by forecaster Lyudmila Savchenko. She was live on the radio when she made remarks about the gloomy political climate in Ukraine. She said in the fatal broadcast:
"You cannot remain indifferent to the beauty, complete with the delicate scents of lilacs and lilies of the valley, the melodic trills of birds, sometimes it seems like the nature is compensation for the disorder, lawlessness and injustice in our country." Forecasts will now be pre-recorded and edited before broadcast.

I am relieved that we did not die in a lethal earthquake that was due to shake the Earth at 6pm this evening. Mr. Camping failed once again. We will all live to see another day and be able to continue with our lives. I hope to keep you updated with the latest weather news and quirky stories. If you do not feel that the information is satisfactory or if you have any questions feel free to call me on 07817 383 918.