With dull, grey skies, London has felt more sombre than usual this week.
Although there hasn’t been any substantial rain in the city, the gloomy conditions are set to continue through the weekend. Despite a period of clear, bright skies on Monday, clouds are set to return on Tuesday. However, no rain is forecast for the week ahead.
According to the Met Office, the grey skies London is experiencing are due to a weather system known as ‘anticyclonic gloom’. But what does the weather term mean?
What is ‘anticyclonic gloom’?
This week's weather phrase: Anticyclonic Gloom ☁️☁️☁️
— Met Office (@metoffice) November 4, 2024
This can occur when high pressure traps a layer of moisture near to the earth's surface, bringing a prolonged period of dull and cloudy weather, with mist and fog also possible. How would you describe today's weather?
On X, the Met Office explained the weather phenomenon. ‘Anticyclonic gloom’ occurs when an anticyclone (high pressure) traps pockets of wet weather close to the ground. In turn, this creates a period of dull, grey and cloudy weather with a high chance of mist and fog.
Although November isn’t necessarily a month known for sunny, dry weather, many have pointed out how the current weather is much drearier than usual thanks to the weather system.
Forecasters have said that high pressure is likely to disperse next week, being replaced with an increased chance of prolonged rain - although this will likely only affect areas in the east.
Looking ahead to the rest of November, London is expected to get increasingly colder - so it may be wise to get gloves and scarves at the ready. The Met Office said there is “potential for some rather cold spells” from Tuesday onwards, but there’s no mention of snow (yet).
