Warm weather is likely to disrupt the natural order
The calendar warrants a double-take. Our postman is still in shorts (admittedly, not all that much of a surprise) neighbourhood cats lounge in the unseasonal warmth while youngsters amble to school sans coats.
Nature, too, is confused. In recent days I’ve spotted roses emerging from their buds, nasturtiums in flower, budburst on a magnolia tree and a single lop-sided golden gladioli in mad full bloom (normally not something seen until July).
Yesterday, a lone bumblebee emerged from hibernation and frantically sucked the nectar dregs from a fuscia . Flocks of long-tailed tits soared overhead. Normally they are particularly vulnerable to severe winters as they weigh 7-10g (roughly the weight of a pound coin). Thursday night’s 14.5C in Northern Ireland and 14.6C in Scotland has provisionally been confirmed as the warmest on record for the month. Yesterday was also thought to be the warmest Armistice Day ever.
But Britain is not unique. The east coast of the US has been experiencing higher-than-usual temperatures and records have been shattered along it.
The “exceptionally mild” weather is likely to continue into next week before things become more unsettled. But the long-term forecast is for mild, relatively dry and mild weather.
There are, of course, upsides to this balmy autumn but for natural ecosystems it spells disaster.
Flowering plants should have long been dormant but are confused by the weather. A period of dormancy is vital for plants to maintain their energy reserves and ensure vigorous growth the spring. Insects and other animals coaxed out of their winter burrows can also come a cropper. Because, at this time of year, the mercury can drop suddenly – catching them out in a sudden cold snap with little available food to sustain them.
There is trickery in this seemingly mild weather. Surely soon there will be a sting in its tail.*