Get the app →
BriefTea logoBriefTea

Every story in sixty words

Get the free app no ads · no paywall

Explained in plain English

Why does weather move west to east?

The UK's weather is largely influenced by the prevailing westerly winds, which are part of a global atmospheric circulation pattern. These winds typically carry weather systems, like the rain forecast for Sunday, from the Atlantic Ocean across the country, moving from west to east. This is why the rain often starts in places like Northern Ireland and Wales first.

Stories that explain this

Heavy rain forecast for 35 UK areas on Sunday, with downpours up to 4mm

Related explainers

What does '4mm of rain' mean? What impact does heavy rain have? How does the Met Office forecast? What is AI weather forecasting? How does air move? What is 'bad weather' at sea? What is a 'blockbuster move'? What causes UK weather?

The full catalogue

Browse every card filed under W →