Climate

The overall climate in the UK is called temperate maritime（温带海洋性气候）. This means that it is mild with average temperature about 10 degree centigrade（摄氏温度 or Celsius; 华氏温度符号℉，Fahrenheit）, varying from 5℃ in the coldest month (January) to 17℃ in the warmest month on average. It also means that it is damp all year round. Rain or overcast skies can be expected for up to 300 days eachyear.

Britain has a steady rainfall throughout the whole year. The average annual rainfall in Britain is over 1000mm. but the precipitation distribution（降水分布） in Britain is a little uneven. There is a water surplus in thenorth and west, and a water deficit in the south and east.

There are more fogs and smog in winter, for which London is famous.

There are more rainy days but less sunny days. The rainfall is notvery heavy. In some places there are over 260 rainy days a year.

The weather in this country is changeable and often unsettled

In no country other than the United Kingdom, can one experiencefour seasons in the course of a single day. “there is no climate but weather in Britain.” This statement is made by British to describe the peculiar meteorological conditions of the country. Such variable weather makes people more cautious when they go outside. Foreigners may be surprised at the sight of those carrying raincoats and umbrellas in a sunny and bright weather, but they will understand the need after an unexpected downpour. The weather is so changeable that even the experienced weather experts find it difficult to produce a reliable weather forecast. Maybe that’sthe reason why weather has become the main topic for the British people to socialize with each other.

In general, there are three main factors that contribute to themild climate and variable weather.

First of all, being surrounded by seas, Britain is more influencedby the ocean than other European countries. The surrounding waters tend tobalance the seasonal differences by heating up the land in winter and coolingit off in summer.

Second, the prevailing west winds （盛行西风带）stay for the whole year, which bring warm and wet air in winter and keep the temperature moderate.

Third, the North Atlantic Drift （北大西洋海流、北大西洋暖流）passes the western coast of the British Isles and warms them.

       However,recent events and statistics all indicate some ongoing changes taking place allover the world. They are signals for us to take on actions to deal with climatechanges and global warming. Each of us is responsible.