Cornwall Endures Record-Breaking Rainfall: 41 Days and Counting
In This Article
HIGHLIGHTS
- Cardinham in Cornwall has experienced 41 consecutive days of rain, marking the wettest January on record for the county.
- The Met Office reports that Cardinham, North Wyke, and Astwood Bank have all recorded daily rainfall since the start of 2026.
- Local residents and businesses are adapting to the persistent rain, with some implementing flood management strategies to mitigate damage.
- The continuous rainfall has disrupted daily life, affecting school activities and local agriculture, with farmers keeping livestock indoors.
- The extreme weather is attributed by some locals to climate change, highlighting a shift towards more unpredictable weather patterns.
Residents of Cardinham, a village on the edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, are grappling with an unprecedented weather pattern as the area experiences 41 consecutive days of rain. This relentless downpour has made January 2026 the wettest on record for the county, according to the Met Office.
Persistent Rainfall Across the Region
Cardinham is not alone in its soggy plight. North Wyke in Devon and Astwood Bank in Worcestershire have also reported daily rainfall since the beginning of the year. However, Cardinham leads in terms of volume, with 366mm of rain recorded so far. The Met Office's data underscores the severity of the situation, as these areas continue to face unyielding weather conditions.
Impact on Daily Life and Local Economy
The continuous rain has significantly impacted daily life in Cardinham. Pupils at Cardinham Primary School often find themselves confined indoors, affecting their ability to expend energy and focus in class. "Being stuck indoors for hours on end is tricky," said head teacher Matt Larcombe, emphasizing the challenges faced by students and staff alike.
Local businesses and residents are also feeling the strain. Sarah Cowen, an artist and café owner, expressed her frustration, stating, "It’s been horrendous. We’ve never known anything like it." Meanwhile, recreational manager Sam Lebbern at Cardinham Woods noted that despite the adverse weather, the site remains busy, thanks to flood management efforts undertaken in collaboration with the Westcountry Rivers Trust.
Coping with Climate Change
The persistent rainfall has sparked discussions about climate change among locals. "This is definitely global warming," Cowen remarked, pointing to the erratic weather patterns that have become more common. Loveday Sutton, a member of the Cardinham garden club, lamented the loss of cold, bright days, describing her garden as "sodden."
Farmers in the area are also adapting to the conditions. Nick Hoskin, a local farmer, has resorted to keeping his livestock indoors to protect them from the elements. "This is the worst weather we’ve had," he said, reflecting on his 40 years of farming experience.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As Cornwall continues to endure this record-breaking rainfall, the implications for the region are significant. The persistent wet weather could lead to long-term changes in local agriculture, with farmers needing to adapt their practices to cope with more frequent extreme weather events. Additionally, the ongoing discussions about climate change may prompt further community and governmental action to address environmental challenges.
Looking ahead, experts suggest that improved flood management strategies and infrastructure investments will be crucial in mitigating the impact of such weather patterns. As the situation unfolds, the resilience and adaptability of Cornwall's residents will be tested, potentially setting a precedent for other regions facing similar climate-related challenges.
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Cornwall Endures Record-Breaking Rainfall: 41 Days and Counting
In This Article
Leila Hassan| Published HIGHLIGHTS
- Cardinham in Cornwall has experienced 41 consecutive days of rain, marking the wettest January on record for the county.
- The Met Office reports that Cardinham, North Wyke, and Astwood Bank have all recorded daily rainfall since the start of 2026.
- Local residents and businesses are adapting to the persistent rain, with some implementing flood management strategies to mitigate damage.
- The continuous rainfall has disrupted daily life, affecting school activities and local agriculture, with farmers keeping livestock indoors.
- The extreme weather is attributed by some locals to climate change, highlighting a shift towards more unpredictable weather patterns.
Residents of Cardinham, a village on the edge of Bodmin Moor in Cornwall, are grappling with an unprecedented weather pattern as the area experiences 41 consecutive days of rain. This relentless downpour has made January 2026 the wettest on record for the county, according to the Met Office.
Persistent Rainfall Across the Region
Cardinham is not alone in its soggy plight. North Wyke in Devon and Astwood Bank in Worcestershire have also reported daily rainfall since the beginning of the year. However, Cardinham leads in terms of volume, with 366mm of rain recorded so far. The Met Office's data underscores the severity of the situation, as these areas continue to face unyielding weather conditions.
Impact on Daily Life and Local Economy
The continuous rain has significantly impacted daily life in Cardinham. Pupils at Cardinham Primary School often find themselves confined indoors, affecting their ability to expend energy and focus in class. "Being stuck indoors for hours on end is tricky," said head teacher Matt Larcombe, emphasizing the challenges faced by students and staff alike.
Local businesses and residents are also feeling the strain. Sarah Cowen, an artist and café owner, expressed her frustration, stating, "It’s been horrendous. We’ve never known anything like it." Meanwhile, recreational manager Sam Lebbern at Cardinham Woods noted that despite the adverse weather, the site remains busy, thanks to flood management efforts undertaken in collaboration with the Westcountry Rivers Trust.
Coping with Climate Change
The persistent rainfall has sparked discussions about climate change among locals. "This is definitely global warming," Cowen remarked, pointing to the erratic weather patterns that have become more common. Loveday Sutton, a member of the Cardinham garden club, lamented the loss of cold, bright days, describing her garden as "sodden."
Farmers in the area are also adapting to the conditions. Nick Hoskin, a local farmer, has resorted to keeping his livestock indoors to protect them from the elements. "This is the worst weather we’ve had," he said, reflecting on his 40 years of farming experience.
WHAT THIS MIGHT MEAN
As Cornwall continues to endure this record-breaking rainfall, the implications for the region are significant. The persistent wet weather could lead to long-term changes in local agriculture, with farmers needing to adapt their practices to cope with more frequent extreme weather events. Additionally, the ongoing discussions about climate change may prompt further community and governmental action to address environmental challenges.
Looking ahead, experts suggest that improved flood management strategies and infrastructure investments will be crucial in mitigating the impact of such weather patterns. As the situation unfolds, the resilience and adaptability of Cornwall's residents will be tested, potentially setting a precedent for other regions facing similar climate-related challenges.
Related Articles
UK Faces Unrelenting Rainfall Amid Blocked Weather Patterns and Climate Crisis
Arctic Blast Brings Snow and Ice Warnings Across the UK
Storm Chandra Brings Severe Weather and Disruptions Across the UK
UK Faces Persistent Flooding Amid Record Wet Winter
UK Braces for More Flooding as Heavy Rain Warnings Issued
Storm Chandra Aftermath: Flood Alerts and Weather Warnings Persist Across South-West England