Another mild winter
This winter is forecast to be warmer than average. However, it is expected to be noticeably colder than last year, which was the second warmest winter since the UK climate series began in 1914. There is a high probability that this winter will be drier than last year, which was exceptionally wet.
Rob Varley, Director of Government Business at the Met Office commented: "Most of the winters in the last ten years have been relatively mild, with last winter being the second warmest on record. Although the Met Office has predicted the likelihood of another mild winter we expect it to be noticeably colder than last year. This advice will allow contingency and resource planners in government and business to be better prepared for the winter ahead."
Notes:
- Our seasonal forecasts indicate how particular seasonal conditions may be more likely than others. The forecast is for the season as a whole and is not able to forecast specific details about a particular day or location within the season.
- Forecasting skill varies across different forecast elements, and from season to season. The skill of our winter forecasts is greater than that of our summer forecast and the skill for temperature is better than for rainfall.
- The 1971 to 2000 average winter temperature for the UK is 3.7 °C. The average winter precipitation for the UK is 332 mm.
- Winter 2006/7 saw an average UK mean temperature of 5.6 °C and average UK precipitation of 437 mm
- The winter is taken to be the months of December, January and February.
- Updates to the winter forecast will be issued throughout the season. Updates will be issued at 10 a.m. on 23 October, 22 November, 20 December and 23 January.
| For further information: |
| Met Office Press Office +44 (0)1392 886655 |
| E-mail: pressoffice@metoffice.gov.uk |
| Met Office Customer Centre 0870 900 0100 |
| If you're outside the UK +44 (0)1392 885680 |
