Anticyclonic gloom returns to UK with week of grey skies

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 3 Nov, 21:20 · Archive

Britain faces a return of anticyclonic gloom this week, bringing persistent grey skies, mist, fog and drizzle.

Britain is experiencing a return of anticyclonic gloom, a weather phenomenon occurring in autumn and winter when a high-pressure system settles over the country. The stable atmosphere prevents vertical air movement, trapping moisture and low-level cloud. This blocks the conditions that would normally disperse fog and allow sunshine to break through, leaving a blanket of dull, grey weather that can persist for days, particularly in inland areas and valleys where cold air pools and fog becomes entrenched.

Forecasts show such conditions are expected to last until at least next Tuesday in much of the country, with temperatures remaining very stable. London will have highs of 10C to 11C and lows of 7C to 8C daily over the coming week, whilst Birmingham will reach 8C to 11C daily with lows of 5C to 6C. The Met Office noted that high pressure was becoming dominant across the UK from Thursday onwards.

Met Office chief forecaster Paul Gunderson told the Daily Mail that while areas of high pressure often bring fine conditions in summer, they have a different character in winter. The Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge confirmed to The Sun that anticyclonic gloom has returned to the UK this week. The Mirror noted that a similar pattern occurred in the first half of November 2024, when many parts of the country recorded virtually no sunshine despite temperatures remaining mild.

How it is being reported

• UK weather forecast as Met Office says Brits face 'far from pleasant' phenomenonMet Office weather forecasters have confirmed the return of 'anticyclonic gloom', which occurs when high pressure traps a layer of moisture near the earth's surfaceThe Mirror · 3 Nov, 21:03
• Anticyclonic gloom is back! Weather phenomenon that covered Britain with grey skies returns as country faces week of mist, fog and drizzleThe 'anticyclonic gloom' phenomenon can happen in autumn when a high pressure system settles over the country, creating a stable atmosphere that prevents vertical air movement.Daily Mail · 3 Nov, 13:33

In this story: Britain · Met Office · Paul Gunderson · Grahame Madge · London · Birmingham

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