Friday 16 June 2023

Scotland drier than London?

The south of the UK is set to be wetter than the north this summer.

That’s according to a study by the UK Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, revealing that common weather patterns have gone out the window this year.

The Scottish river Nevis had its lowest flow last May since records started in 1983, with the river Ewe registering its second lowest since 1971.

However, much of the south has seen more than 140% of its average rainfall.

The change in weather patterns is impacting nature and wildlife, the researchers have said – with drought in Scotland and Wales leading to wildfires and crops being destroyed.

A wildfire in the Scottish Highlands last week was reported to be the UK’s largest ever of its kind.

Ali Morse from the Wildlife Trusts commented on the research: “Vegetation is starting to look a bit drier; flowers aren’t as healthy. If you look out at the countryside, it doesn’t look as green.

“If we do avoid drought this year it was by chance, not because the UK did the right things to avoid it.”