Why So Rainy These Days in Pembrokeshire?

Pembrokeshire’s natural climate — mild, breezy, and often damp.

If you’ve recently found yourself caught in a sudden downpour or staring out the window at a never-ending grey sky, you're not alone. Pembrokeshire has seen an unusually wet spell lately — even by West Wales standards. So what's going on? Is it just our luck, or is there a bigger picture behind the persistent drizzle?

Typical Pembrokeshire Weather — With a Twist

Let’s start with a little context. Pembrokeshire’s coastal location means it’s no stranger to wet weather. The county is exposed to the Atlantic Ocean, where moist air masses sweep in, collide with land, and release their moisture as rain. This has always been part of Pembrokeshire’s natural climate — mild, breezy, and often damp.

But lately, the rain has been heavier and more persistent than usual. Why?

The Jet Stream: A Weather Conveyor Belt

A major factor is the jet stream — a fast-flowing ribbon of air high up in the atmosphere. It’s like a conveyor belt for weather systems. When the jet stream dips south or becomes stuck in one position, it can funnel a series of low-pressure systems directly over the UK.

Right now, the jet stream is doing just that — parking storm systems over us for longer than normal, which means more rain, more often.

Climate Change’s Influence

It’s impossible to ignore the larger conversation around climate change. While one rainy season doesn’t prove anything by itself, climate scientists agree that a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture. That means when it rains, it really rains — more intense downpours, flash flooding, and prolonged wet spells.

Pembrokeshire isn’t exempt from these global trends. Our familiar showers may become more extreme and unpredictable in the years to come.

Ocean Temperatures and Weather Patterns

The sea surrounding the UK — particularly the North Atlantic — has been unusually warm. Warmer sea surfaces can enhance evaporation, loading the atmosphere with moisture. This feeds into storm systems and can make rainfall heavier when it finally falls.

Recent weather reports have noted above-average sea surface temperatures in the Atlantic, which is likely contributing to the current sogginess.

What Can We Do (Apart from Carrying an Umbrella)?

While we can’t control the weather, we can prepare for it. Ensuring good drainage around homes, supporting local flood defenses, and adapting our lifestyles to a wetter climate will be increasingly important.

Also — don’t forget to enjoy the perks of Pembrokeshire’s rainy days: lush green landscapes, dramatic coastal skies, and the perfect excuse to enjoy a cozy cup of tea indoors.

The rainy days in Pembrokeshire aren’t just in your head — they’re backed by science, shifting weather patterns, and larger climatic changes. As the climate evolves, so too will the way we experience the seasons here in West Wales. For now, though, it might be wise to keep those waterproofs handy.