The Met Office has said that Britain is being gripped “anticyclonic gloom,” as people across the nation have been voicing their frustration over enduring days of what some describe as “depressing… almost claustrophobic” weather. This persistent low-lying cloud, occasionally turning into fog and mist, has blanketed the country for several days now.
Despite the lack of rainfall, the weather conditions have prompted a wave of discontent on social media platforms. The Met Office elaborated on the phenomenon yesterday, stating that the UK is experiencing an “anticyclonic gloom.”
This occurs when high pressure systems cause moisture to be trapped near the Earth’s surface, resulting in extended periods of overcast weather with potential mist and fog.
In a tweet from Monday afternoon, the Met Office posed the question: “This week’s weather phrase: Anticyclonic Gloom… This can occur when high pressure traps a layer of moisture near to the earth’s surface, bringing a prolonged period of dull and cloudy weather, with mist and fog also possible. How would you describe today’s weather?”
Recent images capture the extent of the mist and fog that continues to envelop parts of the UK, especially the south. Despite the “anticyclonic gloom,” temperatures have remained fairly mild, with Plymouth, Devon, seeing 14C yesterday.
The weather forecast suggests temperatures could soar to highs of 17C in Bristol and 16C in Denbighshire, North Wales, today, reports Birmingham Live.
Brits are grappling with eerie weather, leaving many feeling downbeat. One resident vented on what used to be known as Twitter: “I mean the lack of wind and rain is great but the heavy gloomy sky, my God is so depressing. It’s been the same for a full week and your forecast is the same all this week too. Just awful, claustrophobic almost.”
Meanwhile, another individual stated their preference for chillier conditions: “I’d rather it were colder.”
Another person said: “We have a summer with little or no anti-cyclonic weather and when we do it’s in November and depressingly dull.”
There was also a traveller who described flying into Newcastle Airport. They recounted how it took several minutes for the plane to re-emerge through the thick cloud during the approach and landing. On a more factual note, the Met Office has pointed out that despite the persistent high pressure system, November has seen relatively low rainfall.
The highest amount recorded on Monday was a mere 4.6mm in Glenanne, County Armagh, which wasn’t nearly enough to cheer up the weather-weary residents.