1 – The climate of the British Isles
2 – Due to the geographic location of Great Britain, the type of the climate is
oceanic. There are no extreme contrasts in temperature in Britain because of the current
of warm water flowing from the Gulf of Mexico called the Gulf Stream. Therefore, the
United Kingdom has a temperate climate, with plentiful rainfall all year round.
3 – Average British temperatures do not rise above 32°C in summer and do not
fall below -10°C in winter.
4 – The prevailing winds from the ocean to the south-west bring rainfall
throughout the year. The total national rainfall average is over 1100 mm annually.
March to June tend to be a driest months, September to January the wettest. The fogs
of London, often made severe by mixture with city smoke, have worldwide reputation.
5 – The rivers of the Great Britain (the Thames, the Tyne, the Severn, and the
Mersey etc.) are abundant, and they never freeze. Meadows and heaths cover a
considerable area of land. The grass remains green all the year round. Thanks to climate
conditions, Britain in truth looks like one great well-ordered park with its old trees,
green meadows and hedges.
6 – Summers are warmest in the south-east of England, being closest to the
European mainland, and coolest in the north. Heavy snowfall can occur in winter and
early spring on high ground, and occasionally settles to great depth away from the hills.
7 – So, we may say that the British climate has three main features: it is mild,
humid and changeable. That means that it is never too hot or too cold. Winters are
extremely mild. Snow may come but it melts quickly. In winter the cold is a humid
cold, not dry. This humid and mild climate is good for plants. Trees and flowers begin
to blossom early in spring. Some of them have become symbols in the UK.