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Milder and drier winter predicted | Milder and drier winter predicted |
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This winter will be milder and drier than average in the UK, Met Office forecasters have predicted. | This winter will be milder and drier than average in the UK, Met Office forecasters have predicted. |
After a summer that saw high rainfall and the dullest August on record in terms of sunshine, the winter months will see relatively high temperatures. | After a summer that saw high rainfall and the dullest August on record in terms of sunshine, the winter months will see relatively high temperatures. |
That follows the trend of recent years, the Met Office said. Last winter saw an average temperature of 4.86C, compared to a long-term average of 3.7C. | That follows the trend of recent years, the Met Office said. Last winter saw an average temperature of 4.86C, compared to a long-term average of 3.7C. |
In April, the Met Office predicted a "typical" wet and warm British summer. | In April, the Met Office predicted a "typical" wet and warm British summer. |
Met Office spokesman Barry Gromett said, according to the predictions, 2008/9 would be the eighth year in a row that Britain has had a mild winter - defined as having an average temperature higher than the average recorded for the winters between 1971 and 2000. | |
He said: "We are unable to predict specific patterns three months in advance but this forecast is helpful because it confirms what people have come to expect as the norm. | |
"That's not to say that we won't get annual variability in the future. A colder winter will be even more noteworthy and we will aim to warn people in advance." | |
He said the Met Office was satisfied it had got its initial long-range "wet and warm" forecast for summer 2008 correct. | |
Mr Gromett said: "The temperature worked out as just above average while the rainfall was one-and-a-half times the average, even more than we expected." | |
Breathing problems | |
The forecast of another mild winter has been welcomed by Help the Aged. | |
Dr James Goodwin, the charity's head of research, said: "The onset of winter causes significant anxiety among many older people. | |
"This forecast will assist policy makers to adapt their strategies to ensure that the negative effects of winter weather are reduced as far as possible." | |
But he warned older people should still guard against sudden cold snaps this winter. | |
Last year, the Met Office worked with health experts to launch a personal weather warning system for people with the lung condition chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). | |
People with COPD have more breathing problems during sudden drops in temperature. | |
More than 8,000 patients in 189 GP practices have signed up to use the Met Office's "Healthy Outlook COPD Forecast Alert". |