UK farmers braced for first autumn storm
© Tim Scrivener A wet and windy week ahead is set to bring heavy rain across much of the country with farmers bracing themselves for the first autumn storm.
See also: Exclusive survey – farmers count cost of extreme weather
The Met Office says Storm Aiden is forecast to bring strong winds and heavy rain to the UK on Saturday (31 October).
Heavy rain and strong winds are expected to bring disruption and risk of flooding to some areas, it said.
As much as 30-40mm of rain is widely forecast, with more than 100mm over the hills and mountains of north Wales and Cumbria on Friday (30 October).
Wet weather is already hampering autumn fieldwork. Sodden fields have forced farmers to delay drilling of autumn cereals and played havoc with the sugar beet harvest in some areas.
The weather warning also comes almost a year after flooding in Lincolnshire left Henry Ward’s farm reachable only by boat.
See also: Flood-hit farmer one year on – patching up damage not enough
Farmers tweeted photos and posts of working in the rain, or not getting in the fields due to the forecast.
We’ve had some really trying times this drilling season. I’ve clocked up 229mm of rain in the last month at Swanton Morley Farm. Yesterday the drill went down 4 times, completely stuck. The rest is now being drilled in the spring. @clubhectare2211 @VaderstadUK pic.twitter.com/p5xJqWYRG3
— Mark Frary🇬🇧🏴 (@FraryMark) October 21, 2020
Probably should have worked today, didn’t get the rain we were expecting. Oh well it’s a lovely day, hope my great team enjoy the weather. #itsnotallaboutwork
— James (@hortijames) October 25, 2020
Sugar Beet harvester has arrived on the Farm yesterday but with 15mm of very heavy rain last night he will not be starting today. @OakbankWoodland @ChaldeanEstate @NFUtweets pic.twitter.com/BuGr12DtnZ
— Gordon Morrison (@Gcarldane) October 25, 2020
Persistent rain
Over the weekend, two separate Atlantic low-pressure systems will track to the north-west of the UK, bringing further heavy and persistent rain – and strong winds.
Deputy chief meteorologist Martin Young said Saturday would be very wet and windy for many northern and western parts of the country.
“Another system quickly follows on Sunday that contains the remnants of ex-Hurricane Zeta, bringing further heavy rain and strong winds.
Saturated ground
“Given that this is falling on already saturated ground from what has been a wet October, there is an increased risk of flooding in some warnings areas.
The Met Office says it will continue to monitor the situation over the weekend and may update rain and wind warnings as details become clearer.
Mr Young said: “We’re urging people to keep a close eye on the forecast, flood alerts and warnings in their areas.”