WEATHER

Wet or what! Although warm for time of year it has been wet. Not in the usual autumn way of showers but intense storms on top of it. This area has had more thunder and lightning this year than I can remember for the last 5 or 6 years together. And we have another yellow rain warning for tonight/early tomorrow morning. Flood warnings across the south west and worse in Scotland. Perhaps storms for the next 2 weeks of COP26 would be good with the lack of investment by water companies resulting in sewage down the streets – it might make the so called ‘world leaders’ realise that shit happens, especially when economics becomes more important than environment.

COP26

Johnson talks a good talk, almost Churchillian in content and delivery. But then we think back to the budget just 3 days ago where levies on short haul flights were reduced and fuel duty frozen. The latter of these two makes sense at the moment but there was mention of climate change, no plug for insulation, solar panels, wind turbines, etc. Nothing in the way of positive action. Zilch. The man is all hot air and bluster.

CLIMATE CHANGE

I was surprised to read that there are still climate deniers around. Presumably they do not watch the news from around the world. Or are they deluded into thinking that it is a problem for other countries. Apparently the Treasury is more concerned to balance the books short term than take advantage of the long term benefits of being at the forefront of clean technology.

WEATHER

Today. 5.25am thrashing rain, high wind blowing over recycling and bins. 7.15 overcast but dry and calm with little breeze. 8.15 bright sunshine force 3 wind. 9.15 overcast again and noticeably colder. 3.10pm high hail stones with thunder and lightning – size of snowberries. And now sunny again. I just love our climate. 4pm sunshine

THE WINTER AHEAD

In line with recent times it looks like this winter could be ‘interesting’. Fuel prices are definitely going to be higher – by how much we do not know yet. The impact on commercial coal firms is already hitting with CO2 production slashed which has an impact on meat processing and fizzy drinks, as well as the NHS whose supply the government says is safeguarded. So food and drink supplies are likely to be disrupted rather than curtailed. Power supplies should be OK but it might be touch or go at times if we have overcast high pressure reducing wind capacity and leading to low temperatures.

HURRICANE NICHOLAS

With speed up to 110kph and 25mm of rainfall this tropical storm is dying down and although he rainfall could cause problems should not cause a major problem. There are no more imminent tropical. storms at the moment.

PASTA CONCERNS

The hot dry spell has hit the durum wheat crop in Canada, whilst the wet spring has already affected the Italian crop. Climate change hitting spagbol and pizza is a real crisis.

Prices for pasta are expected to rise by 50% in line with recent price rises of the wheat. I shall stock up on ‘OO’ flour.

HURRICANE LARRY

Likely to lash into Bermuda later today, at the moment is too far north to affect USA. 9th of September is early to have reached L in the alphabet of storms and there are 6 or 7 weeks of potential hazards to go.