Key Highlights
- Cornish village endures 50 consecutive days of rain.
- Cardinham recorded more than normal rainfall for February.
- UK experiencing persistent rain with no significant let up expected until mid-March.
- Blocked weather pattern responsible for relentless rain across the UK.
- Wet start to 2026 reflects long-term climate change trends in the UK.
The Unyielding Downpour: A Business Perspective
Imagine a small Cornish village, Cardinham, enduring nearly two months of non-stop rain. Residents there have experienced more than their fair share of weather-related misery this February, with the Met Office confirming that it has rained every day for 50 days straight. That’s a lot of water—more than they typically see in an entire month.
Local Economy Struggles
This relentless rain isn’t just a matter of discomfort; it’s taking a toll on the local economy. Small businesses, particularly those dependent on tourism and outdoor activities, are suffering. The last dry day was 30 December 2025, meaning that for the past 47 days, Cardinham has been a sea of soggy streets and sodden fields. Local farmers might see their yields reduced, and tourists are staying away.
Wider Economic Impacts
The rain isn’t just hitting small villages; it’s affecting cities like Exeter as well. Between 44 and 49 days of continuous rain in the south-west has pushed many businesses to their limits. The UK Flood Warnings are an ongoing concern, with rivers at dangerously high levels. The Met Office predicts that this weather pattern will continue until mid-March at the earliest.
Climate Change’s Call
This wet start to 2026 is part of a broader trend. According to experts, winters in the UK are getting warmer and wetter due to climate change. A warmer atmosphere can hold more moisture, leading to heavier rainfall when it does come. So while this particular spell might not be unprecedented (the previous longest wet spell was 72 days in 2000), it’s a clear sign of what’s to come.
Forecasting the Future
The meteorologists are hopeful that by mid-March, we may see some respite. However, they warn that the blocked weather pattern is changing, leading to different distribution of rainfall across the country. While western hills might experience more wet conditions, there could be a few drier and brighter days.
The ground is already saturated, meaning any further rain could bring flooding risks.
So as Cardinham waits for its sun to shine again, we are left with the stark reality of climate change’s impact on our daily lives. This isn’t just a weather story; it’s a business and economic forecast that businesses across the UK should take seriously.
