Met Office Predicts Wetter Winter
Date: 12-Jul-06
Country: UK
Based on sea surface temperature patterns in the North Atlantic in June, the preliminary long-term forecast also predicts a milder winter than the long-term average.
The first official forecast for winter will be issued in September when information from other sources becomes available.
Last winter was much drier than average. In the southeast, it was a continuation of a long period of dry weather that began in November 2004.
As a result of the drought, several water companies have imposed hosepipe bans and some have said they may seek approval for more stringent drought orders as the summer progresses.
The forecast for this summer remains for above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall in the southeast, the Met Office said, although rainfall will be around normal in northern parts.
