Meteorology is not an exact science
Post categories: derek brockway,Ìýweather
| 15:27 UK time, Wednesday, 13 July 2011
This time yesterday I was waiting for showers and thunderstorms to break out in parts of Wales.
Given their random nature it can be exactly where showers and thunderstorms will form as some places can get a good soaking, while others (just a few miles away) remain dry.
Yesterday afternoon most of the thunderstorms broke out in the south west of Wales with some heavy downpours and hail.
These storms were caused by the meeting of winds from different directions resulting in convergence. Because the air was moist and unstable, the convergence caused the air to rise sharply forming cumulonimbus clouds and thunderstorms.
Sea breezes meeting a breeze off the land can also lead to cloud development and showers. So it can be breezy and sunny around Swansea Bay but further inland there are towering clouds, heavy showers and thunderstorms e.g over the Brecon Beacons.
on the north and south Pembrokeshire coast can also meet inland causing showers to form if there is enough moisture in the atmosphere.
So, next time when you hear the words 'sunshine and scattered showers' in a forecast, remember it may sound a bit vague but pin pointing exactly where showers will be is a complicated business!
At the end of the day, meteorology is not an exact science - if it was, it would make my job a lot more straight forward but less of a challenge.
Don't forget to tune in tonight to watch The Great British Weather at 7.30pm on ³ÉÈË¿ìÊÖ One.
Derek
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