The Great British Weather Debate

[Ian]

I know that we see constant data on increases in temperatures due to climate change, but I would like to see some data on wind onditions over the years of my lifetime.  I am certain that the increase in gales would be very dramatic.

The biggest danger behind climate change is the increase in extreme events, rather than simple increased temperatures. The variation in wind speeds can be found here and a glance at the temperature variation is revealing.

However, there's a lot more to the issue, and it seems there are no simple answers..  2010 was the hottest year on record and the US climate change program offers this pdf for more information.

The graphs below also show how the extremes increase with the energy being added to the global system.

[Hugo]

I had a drive around the Marine Drive this morning and stopped to take a photo of the lighthouse and got quite wet as the spray from the waves was soaking me. One shaky photo and back in the car very quickly!
The other one was taken near the Church and looking towards Pigeon's Cave

[Fester]

Ian, Thanks for the response and the information.
The met office data gives me highest ever wind speeds by region, (e.g. 124mph in S Wales in 1974 etc..)

What I am after is some kind of trend data over the years...
For example, ''how many days per year has the wind exceeded 50mph, in a given region''
Its probably not available, but only that kind of information can back up my theory that is is getting more windy, more often.

I'm bloody sick of it, thats all I know!

[Merddin Emrys]

I think it's always been windy in Llandudno, I've known it called Windy city for years!

[Yorkie]

I think it's always been windy in Llandudno, I've known it called Windy city for years!

Before we moved to Penrhryn Bay we lived in Gloddaeth Avenue also known as Pneumonia Avenue.  The wind there was always blowing straight down the road, either South West from West shore or North East from North shore.   Brrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr.
 ZXZ

[Ian]

What I am after is some kind of trend data over the years.

Happy to help:

[Bellringer]

I thought this wind was supposed to moderate this afternoon - it seems to be nearly as strong as ever at present.

[Fester]

Thanks Ian!

So, there is a slight trend of strengthening.... but its slight.
What I believe is happening is that there are very strong wind events, occurring more times per year...

[DaveR]

Surely you notice it more since you moved to a house in a far more exposed location? Conversely, since I moved from Penrhyn Bay, I notice it far less.

[Ian]

So, there is a slight trend of strengthening.... but its slight.

Actually, 2% might seem small, but it's probably significant. I know that if average temps fell by only 2 degrees, it could trigger a new ice age. 

[Jack]

Surely you notice it more since you moved to a house in a far more exposed location? Conversely, since I moved from Penrhyn Bay, I notice it far less.

I sort of have to agree with Mr Fester, I've lived in the same Llandudno house for 14 years and I'm sure that it is windier more often and that the wind is stronger.  I realise that this isn't very scientific but in the early years of living in the house I didn't have any where near as many sleepless nights of worrying if the roof is going to blow off as I do now.   

[dwsi]

I work outdoors and this winter has been the windiest and wettest for a long while

[hollins]

Hopefully we are due a nice day of weather tomorrow if "red sky at night" has anything to do with it.
We don't normally get a good sunset here but tonight it was beautiful. No match for your seaside ones though!

[Blodyn]

Lovely photos, Hollins. 

Lovely to meet you the other day, too. 

[hollins]

 

Lovely to meet you too.
Hope you get plenty of sales.

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