UK Weather: Why has it been so cloudy? Anticyclonic Gloom explained

11 November 2024, 10:34

What is an Anticyclonic Gloom and why has it been so cloudy this November?

With autumn in full force, November hasn't seen the nicest of weather so far, as much of the UK has been shrouded in cloud for the past week.

Following a chilly summer and temperatures continuing to plummet in October, seeing glimpses of sunshine seems few and far between.

With the sun nowhere in sight and with word of 'Anticyclonic Gloom' covering the country, many of us have been wondering what has caused this weather phenomenon.

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What is an Anticyclonic Gloom and why has it been so cloudy this November? Here is the latest Met Office forecast.

Why has it been so cloudy?

For the past week the UK has been covered in cloud and this is due to a phenomenon named Anticyclonic Gloom.

The Met Office weather forecast for the future suggests that these cloudy conditions will continue into the rest of November.

What is an Anticyclonic Gloom?

The Met Office have revealed that Anticyclonic Gloom can occur when "high pressure traps a layer of moisture near to the earth's surface, bringing a prolonged period of dull and cloudy weather, with mist and fog also possible."

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In the Met Office forecast for the 11th of November to the 20th of November, the forecaster states: "Early next week will see a good deal of dry, settled weather as high pressure builds across the UK.

"However, after a bright start, increasingly cloudy conditions are likely to develop by midweek, with patchy drizzle possible at times. Some fog is also possible, slow to clear.

"Later next week, it looks like turning more unsettled for a time, with some rain or showers, particularly towards the east. After a possible brief drier spell next weekend, it may become largely unsettled during the following week.

"Winds will be mainly light for many parts early next week, but breezier conditions seem likely to develop from later next week. Temperatures will be near or a little above average at first, but will tend to drop a little below average later."

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