I haven’t checked the data, but I’m certain we have more frequent stormy weather. In fact, since 2015 these seemingly more regular storms have been given their own names. So now, in readiness for each year’s quota of gales, a list of names is compiled jointly between Met. Éireann, the UK Met. Office and KNMI (The Dutch national weather forecasting service). They alternate between male and female, and the storm’s direction of approach influences whether the name sounds Irish, Dutch or British.
It fell to Fergus, Gerrit and Henk to batter the UK during December and early January, and seven other named storms have hit the UK since September. This is something we’ll have to get used to, as meteorological scientists are agreed that climate change will usher in many more storms each year (warmer North Atlantic air carries more moisture and creates additional turbulence in the atmosphere). This has wide ranging and significant consequences for us, but nature too will have to adapt to the changing seasonal weather patterns. In recent times it has felt like an eleven-month spring and autumn, with summer patiently waiting to deliver its four-week drought, a cold winter is a very rare occurrence now.