THE CLIMATE OF GREAT BRITAIN (3)

           Due to the geographic location of Great Britain the type of the climate is oceanic. There are no extreme contrasts in tem­perature in Britain because of the current of warm water flow­ing from the Gulf of Mexico called the Gulf Stream.

            Average British temperatures do not rise above 32 °C in summer and do not fall below -10 °C in winter.

             The prevailing winds from the ocean to the south-west bring rainfall throughout the year. The total national rainfall average is over 1100 mm annually. March to June tend to be the driest months, September to January the wettest.

             The fogs of London, often made severe by mixture with city smoke, have worldwide reputation.

             The rivers of Great Britain are abundant, and they never freeze. The main rivers are the Thames, the Tyne, the Severn, the Mersey; the biggest lakes are the Loch Lomond, the Lough Neagh. A considerable area of land is covered by meadows and heaths. The grass remains green all the year round. Thanks to climate conditions, Britain in truth looks like one great well-ordered park with its old trees, green meadows and hedges.

QUESTIONS:

1. What kind of climate does Great Britain have?

2. Are there extreme contrasts in temperature? Why?

3. What are the average temperatures?

4. What are the driest (the wettest) months?

5. What are the main rivers and lakes?

VOCABULARY:

oceanic — океанический

gul f— залив

Gulf Stream — Гольфстрим

prevailing — преобладающий

rainfall — ливень; количество осадков

abundant — обильный

fog(s) — туман

meadow(s) — луг