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Warmer seas can change the character of UK storms, according to new research. Even relatively small increases in ocean temperature can meaningfully affect rainfall, flooding and coastal hazards.
A lengthy marine heatwave boosted the power of Storm Babet in 2023A lengthy marine heatwave in the North Sea played a significant role in intensifying the impacts of Storm Babet in 2023, according to new research.
The storm was one of the UK’s most disruptive storms that year, and brought exceptional rainfall to parts of eastern Scotland, with 150 to 200mm falling in some areas.
The marine heatwave lasted almost seven weeks, from 1 September to 21 October 2023, warming the seas by around 0.8-1 °C.
The unusual conditions resulted from persistent anticyclonic weather, allowing the ocean to absorb and retain excess heat, according to the researchers from the Met Office and the University of Reading.
Fast-moving wind jet intensified the storm
Their research found that the storm induced a low-level wind jet, a fast-moving stream of air close to the ground that helps storms grow stronger.
As this wind jet came from the east, it brought heavier rain than usual to many areas.
The warmer than average waters increased evaporation and added extra moisture to the atmosphere, contributing to around 5% heavier rainfall over eastern Scotland during the storm.
The marine heatwave also deepened the storm slightly, lowering central pressure by around 1-2 hPa compared to what would have happened with a cooler ocean, and boosted atmospheric instability.
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Original Record.
This archived record authored by ‘Catherine Early’ at ‘METEORED (Your Weather)’ was recovered from data set:
English