Weather bomb: What is explosive cyclogenesis, and will it affect the UK?

Waves as high as 18metres will form out at sea

Visitors brave high winds and rain on Blackpool promenade, earlier this year. Britain is expected to be hit by another bout of stormy weather this week. (Christopher Furlong/Getty Images)

Meteorologists have warned the UK to brace itself for a barrage of bad weather this week, with some predicting a “weather bomb” which could send 80mph winds sweeping across rural areas.

We explain what the scarily militant-sounding term means.

I’ve never heard of a weather bomb before, what’s going on?

The term ‘weather bomb’ was imported from the US and New Zealand. UK forecasters usually opt for the marginally less terrifying term: “explosive cyclogenesis”.

What’s the difference between a normal storm and a ‘weather bomb’?

When storms quickly intensify and pressure rapidly drops in the centre - by 24millibars in a 24-hour period - this is classed as a weather bomb.

So, when dry air from the stratosphere flows into an area of low pressure, air within the depression rises very quickly and increases its rotation - creating vigorous storms.

 

Are we in for a week of nightmarish weather?

A cyclogenesis system is moving far north of the UK and is expected to pass over Ireland as it moves slowly towards Iceland.

Despite the distance, the UK could be hit with a batch of windy, wet ‘bombs’ on Thursday, with snow possible in Scotland, according to ITV News. Potentially damaging strong winds and ferocious waves are expected in northern Scotland tonight into tomorrow.

In the open ocean, some waves could reach up to 18m, but will lose energy towards the shore, according to BBC News.

However, a Met Office spokesperson told The Independent that the forecast will likely change as the weather systems are highly unpredictable.

Should I prepare for a repeat of the chaos caused by last year’s floods?

Thankfully, it is highly unlikely that the weather will be as severe, and it is not unusual to have stormy weather on the north Atlantic at this time of year.