'Scary' phenomenon happening right now that is driving this UK ...

A huge "scary" mystery spike in sea temperatures in the Atlantic Ocean could drive unusual weather patterns to become a new normal for the UK.

At the start of 2023, measurements at numerous different points of the sea surface west of Britain found it had warmed by on average 1C, and it has not cooled since.

The Atlantic Ocean is one of the key drivers of UK weather patterns and it contains the Gulf Stream - the deep ocean current that brings warmer water from the Caribbean towards the nation.

At our latitude north, the UK should be as cold as areas of northern Canada, but the current from the Gulf Stream helps keep our climate mild.

According to Met Office data, England has experienced record rainfall levels since the temperatures rose in the Atlantic and scientists are questioning if this could be behind the spell of wet weather.

From October 2022 to March 2024, around 1,695.9mm was recorded, the highest level since Met Office records began in 1836.

University of Reading expert Dr Till Kuhlbrodt told Yahoo News said the temperature spike was something not seen for decades.

He said: "All of a sudden. it jumped out of the way of your usual range for that time of the year. It’s left the envelope where it usually is, and because it’s been going for 13 months, it’s obviously not a blip.

"That’s why we started analysing and looking into what could cause this. It’s something we haven’t seen in many decades."

Speaking about the temperature change, marine geophysicist Rob Larter told the New York Times: "It's quite scary, partly because I'm not hearing any scientists that have a convincing explanation of why it is we've got such a departure.

"We're used to having a fairly good handle on things. But the impression at the moment is that things have gone further and faster than we expected, that's an uncomfortable place as a scientist to be."

Looking ahead to the weather later this month from July 24 until August 2, the Met Office said "changeable" conditions were on the horizon.

The weather agency said: "Changeable weather patterns, seem likely to resume early in August. Showers and occasional spells of rain are likely to affect all regions at times.

"However, some drier and brighter interludes are also expected, these most likely in southern and eastern regions. The most frequent spells of wet weather are most likely to be across northern and western areas.

"Temperatures mostly close to average for a time, with any warmer spells generally short-lived."

This Evening and Tonight:

After a fine evening for most, it will turn cloudy in the west with outbreaks of rain in places by dawn. Clearer skies in central and southern areas. Another warm and muggy night for most, especially in the southeast.

Saturday:

Remaining cloudy in the west with some rain, heavy in spots and moving eastwards through the day. The southeast will remain mostly dry where it will stay very warm.

Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:

Drier, brighter and fresher on Sunday after rain moves eastwards. Blustery with rain or showers on Monday, and feeling cooler, but a mostly fine day expected on Tuesday.