UK Weather Hazards Overview
You might think the UK has boring weather, but it actually faces some pretty serious weather hazards that can cause massive disruption. These range from thunderstorms and flooding to droughts and extreme cold - each bringing their own set of challenges.
Thunderstorms hit hardest during summer months, especially after hot weather. The July 2014 electrical storms caused 2000 lightning strikes, whilst the 2004 storms led to the devastating flash flooding in Boscastle, Cornwall. These events show how quickly weather can turn dangerous.
Prolonged rainfall typically occurs in late winter and early spring, with the winter 2014 floods across southern England being a prime example. At the opposite extreme, drought and heatwaves can be equally devastating - the 2003 European heatwave killed 20,000 people and caused rivers to dry up, affecting both wildlife and water supplies.
Strong winds often develop from hurricane remnants crossing the Atlantic. February 2014 saw 105 mph winds in Wales, leaving 21,000 people without power and forcing the closure of Bristol's Clifton Suspension Bridge for the first time ever.
Quick Tip: Remember that the UK's location makes it vulnerable to weather from multiple directions - arctic air from the north, Atlantic storms from the west, and continental systems from the east.
