Woburn Breaks Rainfall Records in September 2023
- Woburn in Bedfordshire has recorded 232.4mm of rainfall in September, which is about 420% above the normal amount for this time of year.
- The heavy rainfall has led to significant flooding, causing major roads, including the A421, to be shut down due to water accumulation.
- This extreme weather event highlights the increasing frequency and intensity of such occurrences, which scientists attribute to climate change.
Woburn, a town in Bedfordshire, has faced extraordinary rainfall in September, with the Met Office reporting a total of 232.4mm. This amount is approximately 420% higher than the typical rainfall expected for this month, leading to severe flooding in the area. The rainfall has been consistent over the past week, contributing to saturated ground conditions that have exacerbated the flooding situation. Major roads have been affected, with the A421 experiencing significant water accumulation, estimated at 55 to 60 million liters in a dip near Marston Moretaine. The peak water depth reached 8 feet (2.4 meters), making travel hazardous and prompting road closures. Local weather presenter Gillian Brown noted that the continuous weather warnings indicate a persistent threat to the area. This extreme weather event is not an isolated incident; scientists have observed a trend of increasing frequency and intensity of such occurrences, which they attribute to the impacts of climate change. The situation in Woburn serves as a stark reminder of the challenges posed by changing weather patterns and the need for communities to prepare for similar events in the future. As Woburn records its wettest month since 1940, the implications of this rainfall extend beyond immediate flooding concerns, raising questions about infrastructure resilience and the long-term effects of climate change on local weather patterns.