Scotland’s Record Rainfall in Glasgow Marks Worst Summer Since 2015
The summer of 2024 has been a challenging one for the UK, with Scotland experiencing particularly harsh weather conditions. The Met Office has reported that this summer has been the coolest since 2015, with temperatures across mainland Britain averaging 0.22°C below the norm. In Scotland, the mercury dropped even further, with temperatures 0.40°C lower on average during the summer months, making it colder than anywhere else in the UK except Northern Ireland.
Record Rainfall in Scotland
One of the most notable aspects of Scotland’s summer weather this year has been the unprecedented amount of rainfall. Provisional figures from the Met Office show that Scotland received 373.8mm of rainfall across the summer months, almost 20% more than the average. This excessive rainfall was concentrated in the west of Scotland, with areas like Glasgow, Renfrewshire, and Ayrshire and Arran experiencing more than double the average rainfall for the month of August alone.
The Impact of Storm Lilian
The end of the summer saw the arrival of Storm Lilian, which brought strong winds and heavy rain to parts of Scotland. This storm was the 12th to be named in the storm season, marking the furthest the Western European naming group has gone since the introduction of storm naming in 2015. Met Office Scientist Emily Carlisle explained, “August was the wettest month of the summer, with some places in Scotland experiencing double their average summer rainfall during the month and Storm Lilian bringing strong winds and heavy rain at the end.”
Factors Contributing to the Unsettled Weather
The unusual weather patterns in Scotland this summer can be attributed to weather conditions far to the north and out across the Atlantic, which had a significant impact on the British summer. Carlisle noted, “I don’t think it will surprise anyone that this summer has been cooler than average for the UK. Mean temperatures in both June and July were below average, with temperatures in August only slightly above. This was largely due to northerly winds bringing cold Arctic air to the UK in June and July, while August saw an increase in westerly winds bringing slightly warmer Atlantic air.”
Trends in Global Warming
Despite the cooler temperatures and above-average rainfall in Scotland this summer, forecasters emphasize that overall temperatures are still increasing in line with global warming predictions. The average mean temperature for the UK in the summer of 2024 was 14.37°C, considered cooler compared to the current meteorological average of 14.59°C from 1991-2020. However, when compared to the meteorological average of 13.78°C from 1961-1990, 14.37°C would be considered warmer than average.
Historical Context and Climate Change
Carlisle highlighted the importance of considering historical context when analyzing summer temperatures, stating, “While this summer may have felt cool compared to recent years, it’s important to note where it sits in a historical context, with the changing climate of the UK increasing the frequency of warmer summers, as can be observed through our observations. While climate change increases the frequency of warmer weather in the UK, our natural variability means that we’ll still experience cooler than average summers at times.”
Looking Ahead: Climate Trends and Adaptation
As climate change continues to impact weather patterns globally, it is essential for policymakers, communities, and individuals to adapt and prepare for more extreme weather events. The summer of 2024 serves as a reminder of the unpredictability of weather and the need for resilience in the face of changing climate conditions. By investing in sustainable practices, disaster preparedness, and community resilience, Scotland and the UK can better navigate the challenges of future summers with more certainty and adaptability.