Have you lived anywhere else? there are many places in this world where the climatic conditions are much better than Britain. I was born and bred in the UK, I was absolutely sick of the weather , and left 50 years ago, never regretted leaving there.
@@daveball6023Of the countries with 'better weather' very, very few are bearable year round. Most 'tropical' countries are unbearable in summer. If you abandoned your birth country(50 years ago might I add was an amazing time economically in the uk) because of weather you are a clown.
Extremes relative to the local climate are almost never good wherever you live. Droughts cause problems in the UK as well as elsewhere. Excessive rainfall causes problems in the UK as well as elsewhere. The main issue with the UK's weather in the minds of a lot of people is the low sunshine levels. Just as the UK is mild for its latitude, it is also very cloudy. Long periods of low sunshine levels have negative impacts on mental health and maybe physical health due to low vitamin D, and the UK has recently gone through one of the wettest 18 month periods on record th-cam.com/video/DH4X_twtdQM/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/zQ4wEx9v7_I/w-d-xo.html th-cam.com/video/8CyZVFB4Sco/w-d-xo.html
There is such a thing as a happy medium, it doesn't have to be a binary choice between flooding rains and severe drought. What seems to be happening more frequently in the UK these days is windscreen-wiper weather, where the weather patterns get locked in place for weeks bringing deluge followed by drought. That sort of weather is good for nothing, the ideal is a more even spread of shorter dry and wet periods.
Really informative and engaging - thank you. I loved the maps to illustrate the key points. I live in Essex and hadn't realised how arid it is compared with western UK.
It’s much better down here in Essex! The north is grim! I chose where I moved to based on annual hours of sunshine, average temp, average rainfall etc.
From one Cornwall-loving Merseysider to another - I agree wholeheartedly. The British and Irish climate is excellent and under appreciated. Your garden reminds me of Hardy Exotics near Penzance.
The point is that it's a bit unusual and a slight miracle that winter in the UK is actually pretty ok compared to other, truly miserable winters at the same latitude.
@@brianm5060 Britain in winter is wet and windy and gets dark at 5 or before there is literally nothing you can do outside in this weather. In Canada and Russia it may have snow on the ground but you can at least get out in such weather and go for an enjoyable walk.
It's fascinating how quickly the climate can change over a short distance. Here in Teesside, it's actually pretty dry to the extent I'd even say rain isn't terribly common. But a short drive west into the Penines, and it basically doesn't stop raining, lol.
This summer really has sucked. My garden’s a mess as I’ve hardly been out there. Just been out this morning to put things away for the winter and even then it started raining! 😂
When the thumbnail didn’t match the tone but god damn it I liked it. It was like someone chatting to me in the pub, all cosy while outside it’s raining.
I disagree this summer was the best in years in my opinion, perfect summer, least you could do things, hate it humid which its been last yew years before this one.
I live in Gwynedd and I went on holiday to Norfolk, which is stunning by the way and it felt like Spain in contrast. This was in summer 2022 and it was a very prolonged sunny period, but the difference was very remarkable and I swear the map in 3:19 is not exaggerating at all
Great video. I wasn't aware of microclimates in the UK. I live in coastal California where microclimates are on steroids. I think the only North American cities that compare with the UKs climate are Vancouver and Seattle. However, even they have rather dry summers. Your garden looks like many gardens in California.
I'm always telling New Englanders how I recall UK's very mild weather as you wonderfully described. After 30+ yrs in Massachusetts, I plan to return for the climate, the lovely nature, more fertile soil plus of course the many other British qualities. The seasonal temp here typically ranges 30C (with very uncomfortable humidity) to ~ -5C with seemingly shorter spring & autumn periods that can often visit winter or summer temps. I fondly remember spending far more time outdoors all year round in southern England, where as here I'm stuck inside a lot throughout winter & summer. London's mid summer daylight length is 100 min longer while our mid winter daylight is 100 min longer which takes some of the sting out of freezing winter temps.
Our climate fascinates me a lot just living in Gateshead the last 20 years things have stayed the same just the extremes have become more common like boiling humid summers then frozen dry winters im really curious what this winters gonna be like with summer being so intense and lasting quite a while i can see it being like this sunmer growing up when it didn't feel like winter arrived until December and then January was just freezing but then February it completely stopped and went back to normal very wet and warming up
The UK actually has relatively cool summers even for its latitude with Winnipeg averaging 27°C on a summer's day and Scandinavia having similar summer temps to uk as well. But conversely, temperatures in winter are similar to North Carolina at 35°N (Cyprus Latitude). Which is why we get Blossom trees in mid February and some leaves stay green until November
Your presentation was most enjoyable. I've never seen a U.K/U.$ landmass comparison which was helpful, upon reflection the U.K inserted into Nevada/California might have fitted better. Your garden is a picture of health, you have an excellent knowledge of plant names. The method in which you described the weather, you could be a meteorologist.
A subtropical climate has a mean temperature of 6°C plus in all 12 months of the year and has the designation B, and is required if palm trees are to not just survive, but actually thrive. (John F. Griffiths)
I like our weather. I'm in West Scotland, near the wettest area in the British Isles. We have ferns growing in the trees, and long strands of moss in what I could almost claim to be a nearby cloud forest. My Alder trees are clustered with lichens, and I have had Avocado seeds germinate after the seeds have been outside for the winter (slugs get them, but it goes to show that if it wasn't for the local fauna, we may have more sub-tropical plants survive here.
"I like our weather. I'm in West Scotland, near the wettest area in the British Isles." you migh love it, but you have no idea what is it; My Alder trees are clustered with lichens, and I have had Avocado seeds germinate after the seeds have been outside for the winter (slugs get them, but it goes to show that if it wasn't for the local fauna, we may have more sub-tropical plants survive here." this is in no way related to weather
Funnily enough, when British colonialists settled in Massachusetts, they were expecting climate of northern Spain, given similar latitude and were caught off guard by the frigid winters
We are blessed to not experience any severe weather that many countries do on a daily basis. Yes, the overcast rainy days can be annoying, but we are no short of a life source called water. We should be grateful of our location on the planet.
I think its true to say that parts of the western half of the UK are very wet but this is not the case in eastern areas from London & the South East, East Anglia, eastern parts of Yorkshire and as far north as parts of Eastern Scotland where annual rainfall is 25 inches or less, well below parts of mainland Europe and the US.
I moved from Sweden to Spain because I couldn’t take the cold and the rain and the darkness. Only to wish for a couple days of warm sun in the summer only to be met with clouds and greyness. Never again.
East Anglia is only a small part of the UK and contains a very small percentage of the population, so that statistic does nothing to counter the perception that the UK is a damp country.
@@adamlea6339 London and the south east, as a whole the most populous area of the UK is similarly wet. The UK has a lot of rainy days, but is far from the country with the most total rainfall: Rome is rainier than London, but that's because they get less frequent but much heavier downpours than London does
Check out the Azores for a stable climate, maybe 10C less variance than the UK.. the houses there don't need to have central heating because it rarely gets below 10C. It has tropical plants despite rarely getting above 25C.
@@ProjectPlantBackTotally agree, apart for one thing - the east side of the South Island is a bit on the dry side. Christchurch has roughly 300mm - 450mm of rain whilst, for example, Leeds is roughly 600mm - 800mm. But, yes, you're extremely close otherwise.
@@LeniMichael-cx9tzWhich borders Washington state, where Seattle can be found. The point is that the climate in that region, whether US or Canada, is “Maritime” - much the same as the U.K.
I would disagree that the temperate climate has made the British people resilient. I would say it has had the opposite effect. The way to become resilient is to face hardship and adapt to it. A classic example is the transport network periodically falling over in what would be considered to be benign winter conditions in Scandinavia. That is due to a lack of resilience combined with a saturated transport network with no slack in the system. Another example is people suffering when the temperature reaches 30+C which is a normal summer day in much of Australia or the Mediterranean in summer. That is because we have no resilience to high temperatures due to their infrequency and to crappy buildings which have poor insulation and no air-con, and rail lines which have not been pre-stressed to those temperatures so they buckle. You mention about the west being much wetter than the east which is generally true, but I discovered my home region in West Sussex has around the same annual rainfall as Manchester, around 850 mm. SE England tends to get more rainfall in thunderstorms whereas Manchester's rainfall comes from light to moderate rain from frontal systems.
While it's true that facing hardships can build resilience, the temperate climate of the UK has also fostered a unique adaptability among its people. Resilience isn't solely defined by overcoming extreme conditions; it's also about how well a society manages and adapts to the challenges it faces, even in a milder climate. Gradual Adaptation: The UK's temperate climate has led to a gradual adaptation to varying weather patterns. British infrastructure, while sometimes criticized, has been developed with these fluctuations in mind. This adaptability is evident in how the population has adjusted to unpredictable weather, learning to cope with both wet and dry spells, and developing robust agricultural practices that thrive under diverse conditions. Cultural Resilience: The challenges of a temperate climate, such as dealing with dampness or occasional snow, have created a cultural identity rooted in resilience. The British have a historical reputation for "stiff upper lip" mentality, showcasing their ability to endure and find humor in the often unpredictable weather. This cultural resilience can be seen in how communities come together during adverse weather conditions, reinforcing social bonds and shared experiences. Comparative Perspective: Comparing the UK's climate challenges to those in more extreme environments, like Australia, overlooks the fact that resilience is context-dependent. While Australians may be accustomed to high temperatures, the UK has its own unique set of challenges-such as flooding and wind-which have prompted innovative solutions in infrastructure and community planning. For example, flood defenses and drainage systems have been developed to mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall, showcasing an adaptive approach to environmental challenges. Economic Impacts: The mildness of the climate allows for year-round agricultural productivity, contributing to food security and economic stability. This resilience in agriculture can offset the challenges posed by extreme weather, as farmers can grow a variety of crops and adapt practices to changing conditions without the existential threats faced by those in harsher climates. Building Standards and Infrastructure: While it's true that some buildings in the UK may not be equipped for extreme heat, there has been a growing awareness of this issue, leading to improvements in building standards and a push for better insulation and energy-efficient designs. This proactive approach to climate adaptation reflects a resilient mindset, acknowledging vulnerabilities while actively working to address them. In conclusion, the temperate climate has not only shaped the British people's ability to adapt but has also created a foundation for resilience in various aspects of life. Resilience is multifaceted and can manifest in different ways, including cultural, economic, and infrastructural adaptations to the unique challenges posed by the UK’s climate.
@@ProjectPlantBack I can see where you are coming from but I would say the resilience you give examples of here are largely based on history. The UK is not the country it was hundreds of years ago and neither is its population, yet Brexit had illustrated the population cling to this arrogant exceptionalism attitude that they are better than other nations and don't need to cooperate with anyone. There is frequently a disjuncture between how a country sees itself and how other countries see it, this is particularly large in the UK's case. The "stiff upper lip" mentality may have come about from overcoming challenges in the past but I would claim it doesn't exist at nearly the level it once did if it still exists at all. The ridiculous things people whinge about in this country which are, in reality, nothing compared to what other countries have to deal with (e.g. the prime minister got some donations for new clothes). You talk a lot about agriculture but much of our food is imported, we cannot be self sufficient and are dependent on other countries to supply food we enjoy that cannot be grown here economically. This is why adverse weather overseas hits UK food prices. As far as climate adaptation goes, LOL, the previous government rolled back investment in renewable energy leaving us more dependent on imported fossil fuels, then the Ukraine war happened and the UK's energy bills over the last decade or so have risen almost twice as fast as other European countries. That is not adaptation that is being bloody stupid. It remains to be seen whether the UK has learnt anything from its poor response to the COVID pandemic and how it will handle a similar pandemic in future (it will happen again).
@@adamlea6339 Well thought out reply, thanks for having this discussion with me by the way! While it's important to acknowledge the criticisms surrounding Brexit and the UK's current challenges, it may be overly simplistic to label the population's desire for self-determination as an arrogant exceptionalism. Many individuals in the UK are motivated by a genuine aspiration to assert their national identity and navigate the complexities of global relationships in a way that best serves their interests. While it’s true that some citizens may focus on relatively minor grievances, this should not overshadow the meaningful discussions taking place about serious issues, such as food security and trade relationships. Additionally, the UK's historical resilience and capacity for adaptation should not be underestimated; the nation has faced challenges before and has often emerged with renewed strength and insight. Ultimately, the future will depend on how the UK chooses to address its current situation, and there is potential for positive growth and learning. I'm a 27 year old male, so I feel like my perspective is slightly different
I´d like to talk about geography and geology: all of this is about GEOGRAPHY; the whole climate thing is "about" geography; "geology" is your narrative is actually geomorphology - the shape of terrain
A Problem with such Videos is always, that we compare Western Europe either with Inland Areas (Moscow) or East Coast Areas (Newfoundland). Their Climate Differences does barely come from the Gulf Stream. Even in a World without the Gulfstream, the UK would be warmer than aforementioned Places because of the Westerlies (they exist because of the Rotation of the Globe). These bring oceanic airmasses into western Europe while they bring less Oceanic airmasses to Moscow and Continental Air into Newfoundland. At least you mentioned the westerlies, thank you. But its annoying to hear other Videos like "when the Gulf Stream Dies, Europe will be like Siberia", no it wont. So, that has not much to do with the Video... Anyway, i live further inland in Europe and have still a somewhat oceanic climate (Cfb), though its rather dry (dryer than London). But it should be borderline to Cfa, which i will get with a warming climate and if trends continue even Bsk is possible by the end of the Century.
The last three years its been the wettest I have ever known and I can remeber back to the 1960’s, this is not by chance. There was a bad year in the mid 1980’s but that was just one year. Lets see what happens over the next 10 months.
All depends where you live. I moved to West Scotland over 20 years ago. Then began 3 of the wettest years I ever remember. While this year has been a little wetter than recent times, that's only compared to the past 5-6 years. Last year was unbelievably hot and we had weeks of dry weather. (I moved here to get away from the heat of the south. I cannot tolerate it well after suffering mild heatstroke in the 90's).
I live in Germany and still get told that britain brings , or sends, the rain to europe. And when it rains here people say, oh you must be used to it. Even sfter 40 years ! Really.
Could all change if part of the gulf stream weakens as some scientists seem to think due to climate change and lower salinity of the Atlantic ocean due to melting ice. It's already weakened by around 15%
Back in the day , the uk would have being considered one of the best places to live . With the fertile land it attracted immigrants from neighbouring European countries.
Sorry everyone who has been to England has experienced classic english wet weather, the summer is just very poor. Its the reason everyone who can goes to europes southern climes, sun, warmth and clear skies.
I get what your saying, but as it's been wetter than usual, how much of this wet weather has been caused by our MET Office and other countries cloud seeding?
Has it been wetter than usual? We've had quite a dry summer in Devon, granted last winter we had consistent rain but I don't think it was always very heavy rain.
This is BS, the UK is 74th on list of countries by rainfall. ie there are 73 countries that have more rain than us. The driest countries are all crap ie Saudi Arabia, Libya, Egypt.
UK ranks much higher in amount of rainy days though. That’s because UK tends to get light rain most of the time, thus it’s spread out over more days. Tropical countries dominate rainiest countries list, but most have less rainy days per year than UK. That is because in the tropics, when it rains, it comes down in heavy downpours
Country-wide averages completely obliterate spatial variation. Parts of East Anglia have less than 600mm/year but the Scottish mountains get around four meters of rain per year. Wet countries are mostly located in the tropics where the rainfall is convective in nature, rather than the monotonous 16 hour drizzle-fests we have to put up with.
@@adamlea6339 that's very true, the Scottish and Welsh weather is dreadful but in England its good. So unfortunately the Scots and Welsh drag down the UK.
@@thomasgrabkowski8283 very true, better to have it spread across the year because it increases the benefit and hence ingenuity eg the industrial revolution started in England, not in the dry countries which makes them lazy
It is because we have a lot of days of modest rain, and many dry but overcast days. The UK's climate is cloudy which is (I think) where the perception of it being bad comes from. If you want to get a view from Ben Nevis summit, the top is in cloud for nine days out of ten on average.
@@pengtwob Weird it must be just northern England that gets rain nearly everyday, what is also weird, is how most southern areas this summer had below average rainfall. Smfh! Such a dumb video, it's been dry for most of this summer, it's been raining for the last few days. 😂 with above average rainfall.
@@pengtwob The south-east has been dull and wet for the last 18 months due to a persistent southerly displaced jet stream. I live in Sussex and the perception of the weather there is overrated, it is still Britain, not the Mediterranean.
So we should blow up the mountains and make our own mountains. I believe inflatable mountains will do better because then we can make them rise and fall when we want which will control the weather
Any fool who knows anything about weather should know it is a maritime climate which means it gets it's weather from the surrounding oceans. So the only decent weather comes in from the south. Of late the rain has been getting heavier due to global warming, many will be confused about it, but as the earth warms so does the oceans and therefore more evaporation takes place causing heavier downpours and huge storms. this will be reversed when we have had a re-aligment. In short, another iceage. I think this will explain better to those less well educated.
"Any fool who knows anything about weather should know it is a maritime climate" yes, any fool.... in order to mix up weather and climate, one has to be a fool
The weather in ireland is like in Britain x10 particularly in the west coast because we get all that tension and rain carried across the atlantic first before britain does, so we kinda act as a rain shield to the uk. Its even more shite here so stop complaining brits!! Uk seems very dry to us irish
trade winds have nothing to do with British Isles; they blow from the tropics to the equator, as shown in one of the pictures; the difference in climate between Moscow and British Isles is not because of any current, but because of distance from the ocean; you better learn the basics
Came here to find out how Britain - no monsoon season, no huge typhoons or hurricanes, no days and days of endless rain like thousands of other regions in the world - is actually considered wet. I gave up wanting to know after 10 seconds. It isn't SO wet. New York is wetter. It rains twice as much there as it does in London. I'm off to find the more truthful video, "Why is Britain so dry?"
@@youngmurphy7556 I literally answered why Britain is so wet - and made a comparison to different regional climates such as the dry south east… what are you talking about?
@ProjectPlantBack Sorry, bud the stats say otherwise. A mild temperate climate compared to rain forests, monsoon zones or even New York state and Great Lakes region won't make slightly damp Britain wet. Granted, it's not a desert but your hyperbole isn't going to change a thing. I'm in the UK right now. It's rained a bit more than normal. Doesn't even compare to the typhoons I experienced in Eastern China year after year, lasting weeks without let up.
@@youngmurphy7556 buddy, which part are we disputing? I didn’t even make a link to the monsoon climates, if you actually watched the video I spoke about how the western regions of the British isles receives more rain than the east, I spoke about how it’s a bit of a myth that Britain is an extremely wet country as an entirety. Again, what are you talking about??
Really fascinating summary of the UK weather and its impact on our flora. Excellent work.
I think we're very lucky to have plenty of rain. We like to complain about it but it's better than going through severe droughts every year.
You must live somewhere that doesn’t flood then😂
Have you lived anywhere else? there are many places in this world where the climatic conditions are much better than Britain. I was born and bred in the UK, I was absolutely sick of the weather , and left 50 years ago, never regretted leaving there.
@@daveball6023Of the countries with 'better weather' very, very few are bearable year round. Most 'tropical' countries are unbearable in summer. If you abandoned your birth country(50 years ago might I add was an amazing time economically in the uk) because of weather you are a clown.
Extremes relative to the local climate are almost never good wherever you live. Droughts cause problems in the UK as well as elsewhere. Excessive rainfall causes problems in the UK as well as elsewhere. The main issue with the UK's weather in the minds of a lot of people is the low sunshine levels. Just as the UK is mild for its latitude, it is also very cloudy. Long periods of low sunshine levels have negative impacts on mental health and maybe physical health due to low vitamin D, and the UK has recently gone through one of the wettest 18 month periods on record
th-cam.com/video/DH4X_twtdQM/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/zQ4wEx9v7_I/w-d-xo.html
th-cam.com/video/8CyZVFB4Sco/w-d-xo.html
There is such a thing as a happy medium, it doesn't have to be a binary choice between flooding rains and severe drought. What seems to be happening more frequently in the UK these days is windscreen-wiper weather, where the weather patterns get locked in place for weeks bringing deluge followed by drought. That sort of weather is good for nothing, the ideal is a more even spread of shorter dry and wet periods.
Very informative, thanks
Really informative and engaging - thank you. I loved the maps to illustrate the key points. I live in Essex and hadn't realised how arid it is compared with western UK.
It’s much better down here in Essex! The north is grim! I chose where I moved to based on annual hours of sunshine, average temp, average rainfall etc.
From one Cornwall-loving Merseysider to another - I agree wholeheartedly. The British and Irish climate is excellent and under appreciated. Your garden reminds me of Hardy Exotics near Penzance.
Thanks for the comment! :)
Summer is great, autumn is lovely, spring is alright, winter can get fucked.
The point is that it's a bit unusual and a slight miracle that winter in the UK is actually pretty ok compared to other, truly miserable winters at the same latitude.
This is a lie. Spring and Autumn are the best seasons, summer is wet and disappointing. You are correct about winter.
@@brianm5060 Britain in winter is wet and windy and gets dark at 5 or before there is literally nothing you can do outside in this weather. In Canada and Russia it may have snow on the ground but you can at least get out in such weather and go for an enjoyable walk.
@@iann23 Really, maybe that's just where you are, we didn't have any rain in summer hardly and for the last few years being nothing but overly humid.
It's fascinating how quickly the climate can change over a short distance. Here in Teesside, it's actually pretty dry to the extent I'd even say rain isn't terribly common. But a short drive west into the Penines, and it basically doesn't stop raining, lol.
This summer really has sucked. My garden’s a mess as I’ve hardly been out there. Just been out this morning to put things away for the winter and even then it started raining! 😂
Fascinating video, good stuff
When the thumbnail didn’t match the tone but god damn it I liked it. It was like someone chatting to me in the pub, all cosy while outside it’s raining.
@@TheMusicBandB haha thanks man!
Good stuff...no silly load noises so i can listen in headphones
It was a shit summer. Fingers crossed for next year. I only like the winter when it’s dry; the colder, the better.
I disagree this summer was the best in years in my opinion, perfect summer, least you could do things, hate it humid which its been last yew years before this one.
Best summer we've had in a few years, had loads of 20 plus degree days with barely a cloud in sight
I live in Gwynedd and I went on holiday to Norfolk, which is stunning by the way and it felt like Spain in contrast. This was in summer 2022 and it was a very prolonged sunny period, but the difference was very remarkable and I swear the map in 3:19 is not exaggerating at all
Great video. I wasn't aware of microclimates in the UK. I live in coastal California where microclimates are on steroids. I think the only North American cities that compare with the UKs climate are Vancouver and Seattle. However, even they have rather dry summers. Your garden looks like many gardens in California.
Thanks for the comment, yes, people are quite surprised at how many British gardens look so similar to exotic planted gardens
I'm always telling New Englanders how I recall UK's very mild weather as you wonderfully described. After 30+ yrs in Massachusetts, I plan to return for the climate, the lovely nature, more fertile soil plus of course the many other British qualities. The seasonal temp here typically ranges 30C (with very uncomfortable humidity) to ~ -5C with seemingly shorter spring & autumn periods that can often visit winter or summer temps. I fondly remember spending far more time outdoors all year round in southern England, where as here I'm stuck inside a lot throughout winter & summer. London's mid summer daylight length is 100 min longer while our mid winter daylight is 100 min longer which takes some of the sting out of freezing winter temps.
Our rainforests are absolutely beautiful
great video honestly, deserve to be up there with the bests 👌🏾
@@diamxnd4202 thank you so much
you have no idea what is the "best" in this regard
Great video loads of information well presented
Great video !
Great vid. It explains everything about how the UK became a successful nation.
Our climate fascinates me a lot just living in Gateshead the last 20 years things have stayed the same just the extremes have become more common like boiling humid summers then frozen dry winters im really curious what this winters gonna be like with summer being so intense and lasting quite a while i can see it being like this sunmer growing up when it didn't feel like winter arrived until December and then January was just freezing but then February it completely stopped and went back to normal very wet and warming up
The UK actually has relatively cool summers even for its latitude with Winnipeg averaging 27°C on a summer's day and Scandinavia having similar summer temps to uk as well. But conversely, temperatures in winter are similar to North Carolina at 35°N (Cyprus Latitude). Which is why we get Blossom trees in mid February and some leaves stay green until November
Living in Glasgow for nearly 20 years, I’ve just become accustomed to the excess rain.
Your presentation was most enjoyable. I've never seen a U.K/U.$ landmass comparison which was helpful, upon reflection the U.K inserted into Nevada/California might have fitted better. Your garden is a picture of health, you have an excellent knowledge of plant names. The method in which you described the weather, you could be a meteorologist.
Really good video, thankyou
A subtropical climate has a mean temperature of 6°C plus in all 12 months of the year and has the designation B, and is required if palm trees are to not just survive, but actually thrive. (John F. Griffiths)
I like our weather. I'm in West Scotland, near the wettest area in the British Isles.
We have ferns growing in the trees, and long strands of moss in what I could almost claim to be a nearby cloud forest. My Alder trees are clustered with lichens, and I have had Avocado seeds germinate after the seeds have been outside for the winter (slugs get them, but it goes to show that if it wasn't for the local fauna, we may have more sub-tropical plants survive here.
Beautiful, it's actually classified as a temperate rainforest up there
"I like our weather. I'm in West Scotland, near the wettest area in the British Isles." you migh love it, but you have no idea what is it; My Alder trees are clustered with lichens, and I have had Avocado seeds germinate after the seeds have been outside for the winter (slugs get them, but it goes to show that if it wasn't for the local fauna, we may have more sub-tropical plants survive here." this is in no way related to weather
@@rncmvwhat are slavering about? Seeing what plants thrive is a great way to tell the climate of an area
New York is at the latitude of Barcelona, Rome, and Istanbul. It's more humid in summer and colder in winter.
it's a crazy comparison if you think about it!
@@ProjectPlantBack Not as crazy as London being near the level of Moscow. No wonder Russians are so angry. :D
Funnily enough, when British colonialists settled in Massachusetts, they were expecting climate of northern Spain, given similar latitude and were caught off guard by the frigid winters
Love this
thank you!
We are blessed to not experience any severe weather that many countries do on a daily basis. Yes, the overcast rainy days can be annoying, but we are no short of a life source called water. We should be grateful of our location on the planet.
Great work mate
@@jeanneale9257 thank you!
I think its true to say that parts of the western half of the UK are very wet but this is not the case in eastern areas from London & the South East, East Anglia, eastern parts of Yorkshire and as far north as parts of Eastern Scotland where annual rainfall is 25 inches or less, well below parts of mainland Europe and the US.
@@geoffclarke3796 yep I agree, I do say that in my video
I moved from Sweden to Spain because I couldn’t take the cold and the rain and the darkness. Only to wish for a couple days of warm sun in the summer only to be met with clouds and greyness. Never again.
I have tree ferns so more rain the better,, near Newport SWales.
East Anglia is the driest place in Western Europe north of the Alps
Very true
East Anglia is only a small part of the UK and contains a very small percentage of the population, so that statistic does nothing to counter the perception that the UK is a damp country.
@@adamlea6339 London and the south east, as a whole the most populous area of the UK is similarly wet. The UK has a lot of rainy days, but is far from the country with the most total rainfall: Rome is rainier than London, but that's because they get less frequent but much heavier downpours than London does
Check out the Azores for a stable climate, maybe 10C less variance than the UK.. the houses there don't need to have central heating because it rarely gets below 10C. It has tropical plants despite rarely getting above 25C.
latitude and impact of the ocean
Because it’s beside Ireland?
I guess New Zealand might be the most similar climate to the UK ?
I'd imagine so except maybe Ireland or the Netherlands
100% the perfect example of a similar climate
Same latitude as spain
@@ProjectPlantBackTotally agree, apart for one thing - the east side of the South Island is a bit on the dry side. Christchurch has roughly 300mm - 450mm of rain whilst, for example, Leeds is roughly 600mm - 800mm. But, yes, you're extremely close otherwise.
Briton is about the same latitude as Seattle. And Seattle is very wet too.
It's about the same latitude as British Columbia
No, did you see the map?
its quite a bit further north than that mate.
@@LeniMichael-cx9tzWhich borders Washington state, where Seattle can be found. The point is that the climate in that region, whether US or Canada, is “Maritime” - much the same as the U.K.
@@davidpaterson2309 Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and London, England, are both situated at approximately 51°N latitude
I would disagree that the temperate climate has made the British people resilient. I would say it has had the opposite effect. The way to become resilient is to face hardship and adapt to it. A classic example is the transport network periodically falling over in what would be considered to be benign winter conditions in Scandinavia. That is due to a lack of resilience combined with a saturated transport network with no slack in the system. Another example is people suffering when the temperature reaches 30+C which is a normal summer day in much of Australia or the Mediterranean in summer. That is because we have no resilience to high temperatures due to their infrequency and to crappy buildings which have poor insulation and no air-con, and rail lines which have not been pre-stressed to those temperatures so they buckle.
You mention about the west being much wetter than the east which is generally true, but I discovered my home region in West Sussex has around the same annual rainfall as Manchester, around 850 mm. SE England tends to get more rainfall in thunderstorms whereas Manchester's rainfall comes from light to moderate rain from frontal systems.
While it's true that facing hardships can build resilience, the temperate climate of the UK has also fostered a unique adaptability among its people. Resilience isn't solely defined by overcoming extreme conditions; it's also about how well a society manages and adapts to the challenges it faces, even in a milder climate.
Gradual Adaptation: The UK's temperate climate has led to a gradual adaptation to varying weather patterns. British infrastructure, while sometimes criticized, has been developed with these fluctuations in mind. This adaptability is evident in how the population has adjusted to unpredictable weather, learning to cope with both wet and dry spells, and developing robust agricultural practices that thrive under diverse conditions.
Cultural Resilience: The challenges of a temperate climate, such as dealing with dampness or occasional snow, have created a cultural identity rooted in resilience. The British have a historical reputation for "stiff upper lip" mentality, showcasing their ability to endure and find humor in the often unpredictable weather. This cultural resilience can be seen in how communities come together during adverse weather conditions, reinforcing social bonds and shared experiences.
Comparative Perspective: Comparing the UK's climate challenges to those in more extreme environments, like Australia, overlooks the fact that resilience is context-dependent. While Australians may be accustomed to high temperatures, the UK has its own unique set of challenges-such as flooding and wind-which have prompted innovative solutions in infrastructure and community planning. For example, flood defenses and drainage systems have been developed to mitigate the impacts of heavy rainfall, showcasing an adaptive approach to environmental challenges.
Economic Impacts: The mildness of the climate allows for year-round agricultural productivity, contributing to food security and economic stability. This resilience in agriculture can offset the challenges posed by extreme weather, as farmers can grow a variety of crops and adapt practices to changing conditions without the existential threats faced by those in harsher climates.
Building Standards and Infrastructure: While it's true that some buildings in the UK may not be equipped for extreme heat, there has been a growing awareness of this issue, leading to improvements in building standards and a push for better insulation and energy-efficient designs. This proactive approach to climate adaptation reflects a resilient mindset, acknowledging vulnerabilities while actively working to address them.
In conclusion, the temperate climate has not only shaped the British people's ability to adapt but has also created a foundation for resilience in various aspects of life. Resilience is multifaceted and can manifest in different ways, including cultural, economic, and infrastructural adaptations to the unique challenges posed by the UK’s climate.
@@ProjectPlantBack I can see where you are coming from but I would say the resilience you give examples of here are largely based on history. The UK is not the country it was hundreds of years ago and neither is its population, yet Brexit had illustrated the population cling to this arrogant exceptionalism attitude that they are better than other nations and don't need to cooperate with anyone. There is frequently a disjuncture between how a country sees itself and how other countries see it, this is particularly large in the UK's case. The "stiff upper lip" mentality may have come about from overcoming challenges in the past but I would claim it doesn't exist at nearly the level it once did if it still exists at all. The ridiculous things people whinge about in this country which are, in reality, nothing compared to what other countries have to deal with (e.g. the prime minister got some donations for new clothes). You talk a lot about agriculture but much of our food is imported, we cannot be self sufficient and are dependent on other countries to supply food we enjoy that cannot be grown here economically. This is why adverse weather overseas hits UK food prices. As far as climate adaptation goes, LOL, the previous government rolled back investment in renewable energy leaving us more dependent on imported fossil fuels, then the Ukraine war happened and the UK's energy bills over the last decade or so have risen almost twice as fast as other European countries. That is not adaptation that is being bloody stupid. It remains to be seen whether the UK has learnt anything from its poor response to the COVID pandemic and how it will handle a similar pandemic in future (it will happen again).
@@adamlea6339 Well thought out reply, thanks for having this discussion with me by the way!
While it's important to acknowledge the criticisms surrounding Brexit and the UK's current challenges, it may be overly simplistic to label the population's desire for self-determination as an arrogant exceptionalism. Many individuals in the UK are motivated by a genuine aspiration to assert their national identity and navigate the complexities of global relationships in a way that best serves their interests. While it’s true that some citizens may focus on relatively minor grievances, this should not overshadow the meaningful discussions taking place about serious issues, such as food security and trade relationships. Additionally, the UK's historical resilience and capacity for adaptation should not be underestimated; the nation has faced challenges before and has often emerged with renewed strength and insight. Ultimately, the future will depend on how the UK chooses to address its current situation, and there is potential for positive growth and learning.
I'm a 27 year old male, so I feel like my perspective is slightly different
It's all relative. People in Greece will cancel engagements if it rains.
Water is good but rain is bad.
I´d like to talk about geography and geology: all of this is about GEOGRAPHY; the whole climate thing is "about" geography; "geology" is your narrative is actually geomorphology - the shape of terrain
Thanks for pointing this out, I'm not an expert, my background is Horticultural science and Biochemistry.
A Problem with such Videos is always, that we compare Western Europe either with Inland Areas (Moscow) or East Coast Areas (Newfoundland). Their Climate Differences does barely come from the Gulf Stream. Even in a World without the Gulfstream, the UK would be warmer than aforementioned Places because of the Westerlies (they exist because of the Rotation of the Globe). These bring oceanic airmasses into western Europe while they bring less Oceanic airmasses to Moscow and Continental Air into Newfoundland.
At least you mentioned the westerlies, thank you. But its annoying to hear other Videos like "when the Gulf Stream Dies, Europe will be like Siberia", no it wont. So, that has not much to do with the Video...
Anyway, i live further inland in Europe and have still a somewhat oceanic climate (Cfb), though its rather dry (dryer than London). But it should be borderline to Cfa, which i will get with a warming climate and if trends continue even Bsk is possible by the end of the Century.
The last three years its been the wettest I have ever known and I can remeber back to the 1960’s, this is not by chance. There was a bad year in the mid 1980’s but that was just one year. Lets see what happens over the next 10 months.
All depends where you live. I moved to West Scotland over 20 years ago. Then began 3 of the wettest years I ever remember.
While this year has been a little wetter than recent times, that's only compared to the past 5-6 years. Last year was unbelievably hot and we had weeks of dry weather. (I moved here to get away from the heat of the south. I cannot tolerate it well after suffering mild heatstroke in the 90's).
I live in Germany and still get told that britain brings , or sends, the rain to europe. And when it rains here people say, oh you must be used to it. Even sfter 40 years ! Really.
Could all change if part of the gulf stream weakens as some scientists seem to think due to climate change and lower salinity of the Atlantic ocean due to melting ice. It's already weakened by around 15%
Back in the day , the uk would have being considered one of the best places to live . With the fertile land it attracted immigrants from neighbouring European countries.
Rhododendron is so happy, it is invasive in Scottish Highlands.
It's not that bad, we just complain about it so much we gave British weather a bad reputation 😂
: Why is Britain so wet ?
A: Because its always horny !!
Sorry everyone who has been to England has experienced classic english wet weather, the summer is just very poor. Its the reason everyone who can goes to europes southern climes, sun, warmth and clear skies.
We're a temperate island where 4 weather dictators merge.
Britain is between50 degrees north to 60 degrees north . In Canada thattbest lawerence to north of labrador. Not the tropics.
"In Canada thattbest lawerence to north of labrador." unfortunately, I cant decipher your letters
We live in a very geographically and meteorologically stable area of the world…we are lucky.
for sure!
That map is incorrect, London is wetter than Alentejo and Algarve in Portugal
@@skurinski true, although it’s highly variable, in the algarve its 500mm a year so not far off
I get what your saying, but as it's been wetter than usual, how much of this wet weather has been caused by our MET Office and other countries cloud seeding?
@@leswatson8563 if you can link some papers in this comment section I can have a look at it?
None.
Has it been wetter than usual? We've had quite a dry summer in Devon, granted last winter we had consistent rain but I don't think it was always very heavy rain.
@@chatteyj Yes. March 2023-February 2024 was the wettest consecutive 12 month period on record for the UK.
This is BS, the UK is 74th on list of countries by rainfall. ie there are 73 countries that have more rain than us. The driest countries are all crap ie Saudi Arabia, Libya, Egypt.
@@stamfordmeetup did you watch the video?
UK ranks much higher in amount of rainy days though. That’s because UK tends to get light rain most of the time, thus it’s spread out over more days. Tropical countries dominate rainiest countries list, but most have less rainy days per year than UK. That is because in the tropics, when it rains, it comes down in heavy downpours
Country-wide averages completely obliterate spatial variation. Parts of East Anglia have less than 600mm/year but the Scottish mountains get around four meters of rain per year. Wet countries are mostly located in the tropics where the rainfall is convective in nature, rather than the monotonous 16 hour drizzle-fests we have to put up with.
@@adamlea6339 that's very true, the Scottish and Welsh weather is dreadful but in England its good. So unfortunately the Scots and Welsh drag down the UK.
@@thomasgrabkowski8283 very true, better to have it spread across the year because it increases the benefit and hence ingenuity eg the industrial revolution started in England, not in the dry countries which makes them lazy
It's not that Britain is objectively particularly wet, it's just that it gives the impression of being permanently damp.
Yes, we get rainfall throughout the year rather than at one specific time
It is because we have a lot of days of modest rain, and many dry but overcast days. The UK's climate is cloudy which is (I think) where the perception of it being bad comes from. If you want to get a view from Ben Nevis summit, the top is in cloud for nine days out of ten on average.
Humidity from florida
Tiny island in the middle of a warm ocean cant get cold enough, end of story...
@@shysociety39 not quite - also not a tiny island, one of the biggest islands
I would think its because it rains a lot.
Brittan? Wet? I live there and all I see on most days is sun.
u live in the south east?
@@pengtwob Weird it must be just northern England that gets rain nearly everyday, what is also weird, is how most southern areas this summer had below average rainfall. Smfh! Such a dumb video, it's been dry for most of this summer, it's been raining for the last few days. 😂 with above average rainfall.
@@pengtwob Well yes but I don't know why you're asking that.
@@KJames2345 I did point out how the south east gets less rainfall
@@pengtwob The south-east has been dull and wet for the last 18 months due to a persistent southerly displaced jet stream. I live in Sussex and the perception of the weather there is overrated, it is still Britain, not the Mediterranean.
So we should blow up the mountains and make our own mountains. I believe inflatable mountains will do better because then we can make them rise and fall when we want which will control the weather
West of Scotland pishin doon aw the time
Generally the more scenic Britain gets, the more north and west you go, the worse the weather gets unfortunately.
Do one on Ireland?
@@colincampbell4261 I can do that!
@@ProjectPlantBack great.
Moist bints are always about.
Any fool who knows anything about weather should know it is a maritime climate which means it gets it's weather from the surrounding oceans. So the only decent weather comes in from the south. Of late the rain has been getting heavier due to global warming, many will be confused about it, but as the earth warms so does the oceans and therefore more evaporation takes place causing heavier downpours and huge storms. this will be reversed when we have had a re-aligment. In short, another iceage. I think this will explain better to those less well educated.
"Any fool who knows anything about weather should know it is a maritime climate" yes, any fool.... in order to mix up weather and climate, one has to be a fool
The weather in ireland is like in Britain x10 particularly in the west coast because we get all that tension and rain carried across the atlantic first before britain does, so we kinda act as a rain shield to the uk. Its even more shite here so stop complaining brits!! Uk seems very dry to us irish
Britain is wet because France is so hot.
Funny mate
trade winds have nothing to do with British Isles; they blow from the tropics to the equator, as shown in one of the pictures;
the difference in climate between Moscow and British Isles is not because of any current, but because of distance from the ocean; you better learn the basics
It’s Gods punishment for the bad British food.‼️
Came here to find out how Britain - no monsoon season, no huge typhoons or hurricanes, no days and days of endless rain like thousands of other regions in the world - is actually considered wet. I gave up wanting to know after 10 seconds. It isn't SO wet. New York is wetter. It rains twice as much there as it does in London. I'm off to find the more truthful video, "Why is Britain so dry?"
I mean, if you did watch the video, I did explain all of this
@@ProjectPlantBack So your video has nothing to do with the title? Another reason not to watch then.
@@youngmurphy7556 I literally answered why Britain is so wet - and made a comparison to different regional climates such as the dry south east… what are you talking about?
@ProjectPlantBack Sorry, bud the stats say otherwise. A mild temperate climate compared to rain forests, monsoon zones or even New York state and Great Lakes region won't make slightly damp Britain wet. Granted, it's not a desert but your hyperbole isn't going to change a thing. I'm in the UK right now. It's rained a bit more than normal. Doesn't even compare to the typhoons I experienced in Eastern China year after year, lasting weeks without let up.
@@youngmurphy7556 buddy, which part are we disputing? I didn’t even make a link to the monsoon climates, if you actually watched the video I spoke about how the western regions of the British isles receives more rain than the east, I spoke about how it’s a bit of a myth that Britain is an extremely wet country as an entirety. Again, what are you talking about??
Great video!