21 May 2012
Forecasters predict barbecue summer to rival 2003
But the good news continued as long-range forecasters predicted a baking summer comparable with 2003 – which saw Britain’s all-time record 38.5C (101.3F) temperature – and 2006, the hottest on record at an average of 15.8C.
Weather Services International, part of the Weather Channel, said the ‘pressure blocking’ system which made recent summers cool and wet has disappeared.
Instead, forecasters expect hot and dry high pressure systems, comparable with patterns which delivered the 2003 and 2006 scorchers.
“We expect a summer pattern more like 2002-06, with above-normal temperatures.
“An emerging El Nino event suggests the best chances for significant heat during the first half of summer
Forecasters predict barbecue summer to rival 2003 as temperatures rocket to 27C tomorrow – Telegraph
Good call, Heidi Channel
Butterfly fears after record rain
Jul 12 2012
Butterfly populations could suffer population crashes as a result of the record-breaking wet weather this spring and summer, Sir David Attenborough has warned.Wildlife charity Butterfly Conservation is launching its annual survey of the insects amid concerns that the wettest April to June on record will have hit their breeding season.Prolonged cold, wet weather delays the butterflies emerging, reduces their life-span and hampers mating and egg-laying, Butterfly Conservation said.This year’s wet weather could lead to a repeat of 2007, when the UK was hit by widespread flooding following torrential rain, causing butterfly numbers to plummet. The charity is urging the public to take part in the Big Butterfly Count to help assess the impact the rainy weather has had on butterflies.