Why is it so windy? | The Sun
YOU'LL have noticed that there is some windy weather today (Thursday, December 21, 2023) which could disrupt your usual plans.
A yellow weather warning for is in place across much of the UK which is due to last for quite some time.
Why is it so windy?
Strong winds are battering the UK today (December 21) as Storm Pia batters the UK.
Gusts of 80mph are possible, forecasters have warned.
Wind speeds are expected to reach up to 80mph especially in coastal areas and high ground.
The Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for wind covering the majority of the UK.
The warning came into force at 12am on the morning of Thursday, December 21, and is set to last until 3pm on Thursday, December 21.
Delays are expected on exposed travel routes and bridges, rail, air and ferry transport, with some journeys taking longer than usual, the Met Office said.
Some short term loss of power and other services is also possible.
The December 21 forecast says: "Strong winds across a large swathe of the country Thursday, causing some travel disruption."
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Where does wind come from?
Strong winds are usually caused by the jet stream, which flows around five to seven miles above the Earth's surface, blowing from west to east.
It can cause changes in the wind and pressure and is common in winter months.
Where are the windiest parts of the UK?
Forecasted gusts of 70mph to 80mph have been predicted in northern Scotland.
This includes65mph to 70mph on high ground and 45mph to 55mph elsewhere in the country.
Over the years, the windiest parts of the UK have been recorded at the top of mountains, usually in the west of the country.
The top 10 windiest counties, according to the 1981-2010 annual average wind speed (in knots) are:
- Shetland (14.6)
- Orkney (14.3)
- Western Isles (12.6)
- Argyll and Bute (12.1)
- Gwynedd (11.3)
- Tweeddale (11.0)
- Ross and Cromarty (10.9)
- Banffshire (10.9)
- Sutherland (10.8)
- Isle of Wight (10.7)
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The strongest ever gust was 150.3 knots (173mph).
It was recorded at Cairngorm Summit on March 20, 1986.
However, some very strong gusts have been recorded at low levels too, mostly along exposed coastal areas.
When will the wind stop?
The wind warning is in place until 3pm on Thursday, December 21, 2023.
However, this does not mean that the warning can't be pushed back.
Make sure to check your local weather forecast if you're planning on travelling.
When did Storm Pia arrive?
Storm Pia arrived in the UK on Thursday which is why weather warnings are in place.
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Starting at midnight, the storm has already caused disruption which dozens of flights being grounded.
The storm comes just a few days before Christmas with many working from home to make sure their festive plans aren't disrupted.
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