UK sets new record for warmest February day
While cold and snow dominate most of Canada, across the pond the UK is in the midst of its warmest February day on record.
February 25 saw the temperature climb to 20.3ºC in the community of Trawsgoed, Wales. It marks the first time on record that a temperature higher than 20ºC has been recorded anywhere in the United Kingdom during the winter months.
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An English record or 20.1ºC was also set at the Hampton Water Works, in southwest London, according to the BBC.
WHY SO WARM?
Temperatures across the UK are currently seeing a boost from a high pressure centre stationed over northern Europe. The clockwise circulation around the high is pulling warmer, drier air from southern Europe and Africa up over the British Isles, circumventing the typical onshore flow the country sees from the Atlantic.
Parts of Wales in particular have been especially warm thanks to downsloping winds from the Cambrian Mountains -- something known as a foehn wind. We're more familiar with these at home in the form of Alberta's Chinook winds.
Souces: BBC | UK Met Office |