Weatherwatch: heatwaves and atmospheric blocking

An occasional series on weather terminology: stationary areas of pressure can lead to prolonged heatwaves and cold spellsThe “beast from the east” cold of late winter 2018 and the arid heat of the UK’s summer so far, are united by one pronounced meteorological phenomenon: atmospheric blocking. Large meanders in the jet stream often lead to the development of huge anticyclones – areas of high pressure that can remain stationary for weeks at a time.Related: Weatherwatch: tr