Rain

It’s been raining recently. Not just any old rain, but proper rain. What the Hong Kong Chinese would call “Ho-Dai-Yurt” – Very-Big-Rain.

I’ve talked about rain before in a previous blog. But hey, this is England, it’s likely that we get more rain than not (and there is research to evidence this), so it’s just as likely rain is going to get mentioned again.

Oh, and let’s not forget that we are masters of talking about the weather. Why stand against the tide?

The Met Office (those of the weather forecasting magic circle), have stated on their website that the rainfall has placed December 2015 as the second wettest in UK, on record. Not only that, they are arguing that December was the warmest – the sort of temperatures you would find in April/May.

So it seems then, that the weather is almost reversed. After all, are we not experiencing winter frosts, snow, sleet and other climate phenomenon that usually happen in December? At least, when I’m cycling, that’s what I’m experiencing.

Now I’m not going to point the finger at Global Warming (although I’m not opposed to the idea), it’s just that it is a little odd. The accepted wisdom is that, as Global Warming kicks in, the planet will warm up, the ice caps will melt (as is already happening), and the whole shebang will mean a different living experience for future generations. The joke is that at least UK will be warmer.

But I’m not so sure.

If one considers the Gulf Stream, a different viewpoint might ensue.

My understanding is that the Gulf Stream is Nature’s warming engine; that it brings warm currents (and air) to the Northern Hemisphere that prevents UK from freezing over in winter. Well it certainly worked this year.

The trouble is, as ice caps melt, the sea level rises; which in turn, changes the flow-rate of the Gulf Stream. Indeed, there are reports now that scientists have notice this decline in flow-rate. How is this important?

Now picture this, if you will: assuming the planet gets warmer, on average; then assuming this impacts on the Gulf Stream flow-rate by stopping it completely (or slowing it down to inconsequential levels); then there is no more warming in the winters in the UK. Well, we’ll freeze.

In not a conspiracist, but don’t you think it’s interesting how there’s been a real drive to get houses in this country insulated and warm, with reduced energy spend? It’s like they know something they’re not telling.

For me though, this has other disadvantages. I’ve mentioned before, cycling to work in all weathers. All the same, cycling with snow on the ground is not my cup of tea. And I‘m concerned that Betty won’t get as much exercise as she should if this happens.

It’s not much, in the grand scheme of things, but I’m doing my bit to reduce GW – by using my car only about two times per week.

Share the love peeps and let’s get more of those cars off the road.