The Impact of the Disappearance of the Gulf Stream on UK Climate

Without the Gulf Stream, the UK and Europe would be plunged into a climate state much like an ice age. The Arctic ice caps would extend southwards, potentially even reaching into Southern Britain. The Sahara Desert may experience regular rainfall due to the rerouting of cold northern waters, which would circulate around the tropics and bring warm, moist air. Caribbean hurricanes would become more frequent as sea temperatures rise.

Understanding the True Source of European Warming

It turns out that the warming effect attributed to the Gulf Stream is somewhat of a myth. Europe's climate is primarily influenced by the thermal mass of the entire Atlantic Ocean, rather than just the Gulf Stream. Vancouver, located at 50N, has a mild climate despite having a current offshore that is the cold Alaska Current. This is due to the vast amount of stored heat from the Pacific Ocean.

The Dominant Atlantic Weather Front

The UK and Ireland are governed by four weather fronts: the Atlantic, the Saharan, the Arctic, and the Siberian. The Gulf Stream, if considered part of the Atlantic front, would still be a significant influence. The Atlantic front, I believe, is the dominant force, making the islands wetter and more humid than most mainland European countries. However, the difference is not as much as one might think.

If we were to remove the Atlantic front, including the Gulf Stream, the UK and Ireland would likely experience a climate that is a bit warmer and a bit drier, much like mainland Europe.

Climate Comparisons and Potential Outcomes

Without the Gulf Stream, the UK's climate could be similar to that of mid-Canada. Presently, the UK's climate is compared to that of Oregon, but with more precipitation. Looking across the Atlantic towards Northern Quebec, that's what you would experience without the Gulf Stream. London would have a climate comparable to that of Anchorage, Alaska.

Furthermore, Newcastle, located at 56° north, is at the same latitude as Tierra del Fuego. This could lead to a climate more akin to that of Tierra del Fuego if the Gulf Stream were to disappear.

The consequences of a disappearing Gulf Stream would be dire for the entire EU. The climate in northern Europe, including England, and even Iceland, would become largely uninhabitable. Southern Europe would experience frigid temperatures similar to those found in Norway. Despite press reports and the alarming views of some environmentalists, rest assured that the Gulf Stream is not going away anytime soon.