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Daily Record
6 days ago
- Climate
- Daily Record
How climate change is 'supercharging summer storms' as Scotland battered with wild weather
Fierce and fast summer rainstorms are on the rise, and a 2C temperature rise could double their frequency, the study warns Scotland has faced intense weather patterns over the last eight months, with a total of five named storms having battered the country since October 2024, including a powerful and record-breaking cyclone which hit the UK in January. Storms Ashley, Bert, Conall and Darragh have all made landfall in recent times, but the most notable was Storm Éowyn - the UK's most powerful windstorm for a decade, bringing red warnings, severe impacts and tragic deaths. But what is behind this string of wild weather? Well, climate change seems the most obvious reason. But the Met Office said in the recent climate that "there is no evidence of positive or negative trends in windstorm number or intensity." Trends in windstorm numbers are difficult to detect due to how these naturally vary year-to-year and decade-to-decade, the weather agency added. However, a new study focusing on the Alpine regions suggests otherwise. Intense, short-lived summer downpours are expected to become both more frequent and more intense as the climate warms, according to scientists from the University of Lausanne (UNIL) and the University of Padova. Although the study, published in npj Climate and Atmospheric Science, is specific to Alpine regions, the repercussions could be felt or similar weather events may occur in other parts of Europe, including the UK. Scientists demonstrated that an average temperature rise of 2C could double the frequency of short-lived summer rainstorms in the Alpine region. With such warming, an intense storm currently expected every 50 years could occur every 25 years in the future. "An increase of 1C is not hypothetical - it is likely to occur in the coming decades," Francesco Marra, one of the main authors, pointed out. "We are already witnessing a tendency for summer storms to intensify, and this trend is only expected to worsen in the years ahead." In June 2018, the city of Lausanne in Switzerland experienced an extreme and short-lived rainfall episode, with 41 millimetres of precipitation falling in just 10 minutes. Large parts of the city were flooded, resulting in estimated damage of 32 million Swiss Francs. These short, extreme events, often causing severe damage to property and posing risks to lives, are still very rare in Switzerland today. However, with the rise in temperatures caused by global warming, they are likely to become more frequent in the future, particularly over the Alpine mountains and their surroundings, said the researchers. Warm air retains more moisture (around 7% more per degree) and intensifies thunderstorm activity. As the Alpine region is warming faster than the global average, it is particularly hard hit. It is therefore urgent to assess the impact of global warming in these regions. To obtain these results, the researchers examined data from almost 300 weather stations in the European Alps, spread across Switzerland, Germany, Austria, France, and Italy. They focused on record-breaking rainfall events (lasting from 10 minutes to an hour) between 1991 and 2020, as well as temperatures associated with these storms. "Our results show that an average temperature rise of 1C would already be highly problematic," Nadav Peleg, first author of the study, warned. "The sudden and massive arrival of large volumes of water prevents the soil from absorbing the excess. This can trigger flash floods and debris flows, leading to infrastructure damage and, in some cases, casualties." Peleg said it is "crucial" to understand how these events may evolve with climate change, adding: "This means planning appropriate adaptation strategies like improving urban drainage infrastructure where necessary." It comes as a 358-mile storm is set to sweep over Scotland from the Atlantic in the coming days. Rain is forecasted for Glasgow every day for the next week. And while Edinburgh and Aberdeen won't be as sodden, there's no sign of a return to the balmy highs of 25C experienced last Friday and Saturday. The monster storm is predicted to usher in next month on a wet note, following on from June's dreary start. And it comes off the back of a weekend of extremes, where the hottest days of the year in Scotland were followed with thunderstorms, lightning blasts, and heavy downpours within mere hours. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. 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Sunday World
23-04-2025
- Sunday World
The Lake County has plenty to offer, especially when the sun is out
Cavan and Leitrim have never looked so good It's the best day of the best week of the year so far; an unseasonable April for Ireland. Recently Eowyn brought wild gales cascading across the peaks and knolls Cavan takes its name from — now the sun's beating through my windshield, heating the steering wheel in my grip and dazzling as it reflects. Megan and I plan to spend two days exploring the length and breadth of the Lake County before pushing west into Leitrim. Farnham Estate in Cavan We're basing ourselves in the lavish Farnham Estate. A 4-star spa and golf resort that combines historic charm with contemporary amenities, it offers guests a tranquil retreat amid lush woodlands and serene waterways. The welcoming driveway weaves through a slice of the pristine golf course and into a private car park, where a complimentary shuttle bus transports guests directly to the hotel and into the stylish lobby. The estate's original pillars separate the modern hustle and bustle of reception from a window into the building's past; two stately rooms with period furniture and décor, free to lounge in at your leisure. Our room is spacious, modern and tasteful. A glass door provides ample light, the bed's comfortable and the bathroom contains a step-in shower and sizeable bath. There is a stunning spa on site too that would normally take up most of our time and judging by the frequency of guests in robes that we met while there, it is clearly one of the resort's biggest draws. But this trip was about packing in the entire county. Conall and Megan at Crafts of Ireland Crafts of Ireland En route to Farnham we make our first stop; Crafts of Ireland — where we're greeting by the warm Sandra and even warmer coffee and home-baked cake. It's a wonderfully decorated café adorned with vintage automobiles and motorbikes, antique crafting equipment and an array of in-house art. With Sandra's encouragement we try our hands at wool painting and with spectacular views of Ireland's Hidden Heartlands and Sliabh na Cailleach, it's hard not to find inspiration. Using wool from the farm's sheep we spend an serene hour quietly felting landscapes onto canvas, blending fibres and shades to breathe depth into our work. It was therapy we didn't know we needed and the perfect start to our 48-hour trip. I also got a chance to reminisce about my granny as we pass an old Singer sewing machine like one she used back in the day to stitch and sell curtains in St George's Market. Dún a Rí Shadowing the Cabra River we walk looped paths round Dún a Rí Forest Park, crossing bridges and ascending stairways through the wood's verdure. Bees and birds hum and whistle while we take in Tobar na Splinne — The Healing Well, one of many elements that ties Dún a Rí not just to nature, but to deep-rooted local history and mysticism. Conall and Megan at Cavan Adventure Centre Cavan Adventure Centre Years ago I'd kayaked the Ardèche but that was a younger, fitter Conall. I was determined to do it again, but there was trepidation in the climb over the bobbing hull and into the conduits of Lough Oughter. Any anxiety was extinguished by the utter beauty and tranquillity of the river, however, as our vessels glided across the glassy tributary, passing swans and their young as the sun poured fire above. The splash and drip of the oars brought relief and we were hushed as cows trundled down the banks to graze with Clough Oughter Castle in view. We rode the waves of passing fishing boats, letting the ripples push us which way and that before steering homewards. It was time to eat. Conall McMeekin and wife Megan at People's Restaurant People's Restaurant Owned and operated by cousins Lubo and Daniel, People's restaurant in Cavan town showcases a fusion of Irish and European cuisines curated from premium local produce. The interior is elegant with a relaxed ambiance and the service flawless. I order the ginger beer battered prawns to start, followed by roasted monkfish tail. Both dishes are terrific and expertly presented; sumptuous prawns crisply coated in a light batter, with a citrus slaw and spiced oil to match. Then juicy hunks of monkfish accompanied by al dente greens and richly seasoned choux potato. To drink, I treat myself to a cherry whiskey sour; rightfully endorsed by a Farnham employee. Maxwells Restaurant We kick off day two with a hearty buffet breakfast in Farnham's own Maxwells Restaurant. It's a stunning room, with views of the adjoining lawns and courtyard. All dietary requirements are catered for here. Fowley's Falls Parked on a narrow Leitrim lane deep in the sticks, we trek lazily into the woods. A well maintained trail offers consistent views of the Glenaniff River as it cascades downhill toward Lough Melvin. As we wander deeper we're rewarded with increasingly impressive waterfalls, cumulating in a tiered staircase-like formation. Definitely a hidden gem to keep an eye out for. Alpacas at Glencar Valley Glencar Alpacas Heading further west towards the craggy Leitrim/Sligo border we begin our descent into Glencar Valley. The films of John Ford busy my consciousness, not The Quiet Man, but The Searchers. The setting was romantic and wild. Towering rock-strewn cliffs slope into deep green meadows that slipped gradually into the mirrored lough below. My tyres spun as I turned up a pebble-laden track towards a generational farm currently run by Des. His father born there before him, the ancestral home still clings to the stunning hillside. The higher we climb, the more remarkable the vistas. Des's land could be the most picturesque on the island, but not without strife: his grandfather spent six months channelling by hand into the Dartry Mountains, where their ewes sequester to lamb. Our alpaca comrades were Sonny, Aston and Arlow. They were entirely individual, espousing distinct personalities and traits. I gave Sonny's soft chocolate fleece a good pet, his goofy face chock full of expression and thought. It was a pure honour to ramble through Des' homeland as his obvious pride in heritage and native soil is palpable. Cavan Burren Park Cavan Burren Park Teeming with geological wonders, rich archaeology, and well-marked walking trails, Cavan Burren Park allows visitors to experience tangible history as you explore its abundant landmarks. Our guide Ben is endlessly knowledgeable and patient as we tread meaningfully across the karst limestone terrain; examining some of the vast boulders deposited during the last ice age, tiptoeing around portal and wedge tombs, taking in 340 million years of history. Our tour reaches its peak physically and figuratively with a humbling hilltop view across the plateau, where the once all-consuming glacier carved through this landscape and out to sea. It serves as an enlightening end to an expedition into our ancient selves and beyond. Cedars Steakhouse Our dinner reservation is with Cedars Steakhouse, located within the cut-stone building that once housed Farnham estate's managers. We're escorted inside by the charming Yassine. Our cosy velvet banquette is walled with exposed brickwork, and subdued lighting generates an intimate supper club atmosphere. Yassine returns with Patrick, the bar's manager, and complimentary gin cocktails in tow. Both are citric, refreshing and well-balanced. As our food arrives, Yassine reappears with wine to compliment our courses. I'm on the fish again; beetroot and poitín cured cod, followed by pan-seared turbot. The cod is the dish of the weekend; it's sharp, vibrant and light, and the turbot isn't far behind; flaky flesh under crispy skin, resting on boxty in a lobster bisque — properly moreish. Yassine's dry wine is perfectly paired, elevating our food. Winding down we relax with another cocktail in the cellar bar. It's the perfect space for a quiet evening drink and the perfect end to a whirlwind trip to this stunning, and sometimes overlooked county. ■ Conall was hosted by Fáilte Ireland. Stay updated with the latest events, travel tips, and places to stay by visiting
Yahoo
05-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
One of UK's biggest flood defences gets £43m boost
More than £40m has been announced to protect thousands of homes and businesses in Somerset. Ministers confirmed the Bridgwater tidal barrier will benefit from £43m funding. The barrier, set to be completed in early 2027, will cost about £249m and this latest cash injection is part of that fee. Secretary of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said: "The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods. The role of any government is to protect its citizens." The funding is part of a £2.65bn announcement of investment in flood defences across the UK. Mr Reed added the government would continue to invest in building and maintaining flood defences. The barrier in Bridgwater will be constructed across the River Parrett between Express Park and Chilton Trinity, and will have two vertical lift gates which can be closed to prevent water from flowing upstream during very high tides in the Bristol Channel. This, planners say, will help protect 11,300 homes in Bridgwater and neighbouring villages, as well as some 1,500 businesses, from flooding. The cost of the whole scheme, including the barrier, the operational site, downstream flood banks at Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich and 12 upstream sites with improved fish and eel passages, is £249m. An extra £49m has also been announced in partnership funding. Alan Lovell, Environment Agency chair, said: "The impact of flooding on our communities will only become greater as climate change brings more extreme weather, like Storms Bert, Conall and Eowyn. "With this new funding, we will work closely with the government to deliver the vital projects that are needed across the country, ensuring our investment goes to those communities who need it the most." Follow BBC Somerset on Facebook and X. Send your story ideas to us on email or via WhatsApp on 0800 313 4630. Spending on flood defences set to rise to record levels Major flood prevention scheme given government sign-off Sustainable tidal barrier to boost wildlife One of England's biggest flood defences to be built Environment Agency
BBC News
05-02-2025
- Business
- BBC News
One of England's biggest flood defences gets £43m funding boost
More than £40m has been announced to protect thousands of homes and businesses in confirmed the Bridgwater tidal barrier will benefit from £43m funding. The barrier, set to be completed in early 2027, will cost about £249m and this latest cash injection is part of that of State for Environment, Food and Rural Affairs Steve Reed said: "The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods. The role of any government is to protect its citizens." The funding is part of a £2.65bn announcement of investment in flood defences across the UK. Mr Reed added the government would continue to invest in building and maintaining flood defences. The barrier in Bridgwater will be constructed across the River Parrett between Express Park and Chilton Trinity, and will have two vertical lift gates which can be closed to prevent water from flowing upstream during very high tides in the Bristol planners say, will help protect 11,300 homes in Bridgwater and neighbouring villages, as well as some 1,500 businesses, from flooding. The cost of the whole scheme, including the barrier, the operational site, downstream flood banks at Chilton Trinity, Pawlett and Combwich and 12 upstream sites with improved fish and eel passages, is £249m. An extra £49m has also been announced in partnership Lovell, Environment Agency chair, said: "The impact of flooding on our communities will only become greater as climate change brings more extreme weather, like Storms Bert, Conall and Eowyn."With this new funding, we will work closely with the government to deliver the vital projects that are needed across the country, ensuring our investment goes to those communities who need it the most."
The Independent
04-02-2025
- Climate
- The Independent
£2.6bn funding for flood defences over next two years as climate threat grows
The Government has announced a 'record' £2.65 billion to build and maintain flood defences over the next two years to protect thousands of homes. The Environment Department (Defra) said the two-year investment package would see 52,000 properties benefit from new flood defences by March 2026, while efforts to shore up 'creaking' defences in need of repairs would protect 14,500 further homes and businesses. The two-year commitment comes after funding reached just over £1 billion a year over the past few years, and as the UK faces more extreme weather driven by climate change, including storms, heavy rainfall and floods. Damaging winter storms in the past two years have caused widespread flooding of properties, roads, railways and farmland. And recent polling has shown that people see flooding as the most pressing climate impact for the UK – but most do not think the country is well prepared for it. The Government has blamed the Conservatives for letting defences fall into disrepair, claiming years of underinvestment, along with damaging storms, have left 3,000 of the Environment Agency's 38,000 important assets at below the required condition. Environment Secretary Steve Reed said: 'The storms this winter have devastated lives and livelihoods. 'The role of any Government is to protect its citizens. 'Under our Plan for Change, we are investing a record £2.65 billion to build and maintenance flood defences to protect lives, homes and businesses from the dangers of flooding.' Up to 1,000 projects will get funding, including £43 million for the Bridgewater tidal barrier flood defence scheme in Somerset, £35 million to protect Derby from flooding, £2 million for communities in Bewdley, West Midlands, and an additional £3.4 million for the Pool Bridge to Hunger Hill defences in Dorset. Schemes to help properties be more resilient to flooding across Leicestershire, Derbyshire and Nottinghamshire will receive £2.5 million. The impact of flooding on our communities will only become greater as climate change brings more extreme weather, like Storms Bert, Conall and Eowyn Alan Lovell, Environment Agency Defra also announced essential maintenance to defences including £7 million for the Stallingborough sea defences along the Humber estuary and £3.8 million to improve protection from the sea in Pevensey Bay. The Government said many flood defence projects have stalled, and is prioritising £140 million for 31 schemes that are ready for delivery. In addition, some £36 million is being spent this year on urgent repairs to defences damaged by last winter's extreme flooding events, while for the next year a further £72 million is earmarked for maintaining and repairing assets, including those damaged in recent floods. The Environment Agency has also confirmed 34 'natural flood management' projects – which use nature and habitats to slow the flow of water and reduce flooding – will go ahead to delivery, with costs lower than those for hard defences. Projects getting the green light include work by Leicester City Council and Trent Rivers Trust to reduce flood risk in 13 locations in Leicestershire – ranging from sustainable drainage at schools to tree planting and creating new wetlands to link up flood plains and store flood water. Environment Agency chairman Alan Lovell said: 'The impact of flooding on our communities will only become greater as climate change brings more extreme weather, like Storms Bert, Conall and Eowyn. 'With this new funding, we will work closely with the Government to deliver the vital projects that are needed across the country, ensuring our investment goes to those communities who need it the most.' The Government is also looking at reforming the funding formula for allocating money to defences, warning it slows down delivery of schemes through a complex process and neglects innovative approaches. The system has also faced criticism in the past that it favours schemes protecting richer families and areas.
