The main reason for the relentlessness of the rain is linked to a “stuck” weather pattern that developed across Europe shortly after the New Year.
A large area of high pressure became established across northern and eastern parts of the continent, with cold air become strongly established underneath it.
At the same time surges of Arctic air in the USA and Canada helped to fire up a strong Atlantic jet stream that directed rain-bearing areas of low pressure towards western Europe.
The area of high pressure stopped the progress of the lows, meaning the same areas – namely the UK, Spain and Portugal – have been hit again and again by spells of wet weather.
However, this blocked system has meant that some areas of the UK have escaped the worst of the rain. Parts of north-west England and western Scotland have been experiencing ‘below-average’ rainfall, with some of the Highlands having experienced a stretch of nearly three weeks without seeing any rain.
This soggy start to the year reflects long-term trends that show winters in the UK are getting warmer and wetter due to climate change.
A warmer atmosphere is able to hold more moisture meaning that when rain comes it is likely to be heavier and more intense.