Why is ‘north west’ trending in the UK and Canada?
In the UK, the term is trending due to gales and heavy rain hitting north-west Scotland caused by remnants of Hurricane Isaias. In Canada, it relates to ongoing debates over permanent daylight time and time zone differences in north-western Ontario.
What happened
- Earlier
Hurricane Isaias made landfall in the southern US and later weakened [1].
- Wednesday, 10:00 - 19:00 BST
A Met Office yellow warning was active for the Highlands and Western Isles [1].
- Wednesday
Strong gales hit north-west Scotland, with gusts of 109mph recorded near Applecross [2].
What you need to know
North-west Scotland experienced ferry cancellations, airport closures, and road blockages due to fallen trees [2].
The UK weather event was caused by a 'weather bomb'—explosive cyclogenesis—linked to Hurricane Isaias remnants [1].
North-western Ontario has traditionally operated within Manitoba's time zone [3].
It is not confirmed when normal ferry operations will fully resume across all west coast routes in Scotland [2].
Background
The weather system affecting the UK brought a surge of warm air, causing temperatures to rise 2-4C above the mid-October average in some areas [1]. While the storm's center stayed far from the UK, it brought blizzard threats to Iceland [1].
In Ontario, the Time Amendment Act of November 2020 sought to establish permanent daylight savings time, contingent on similar moves by New York and Quebec [3].
Questions people ask
What happened to transport in north-west Scotland?
Over a dozen ferry routes were cancelled, and both Benbecula and Barra airports closed [2].
Why is the time zone in north-western Ontario a topic?
There are conflicting views on whether the region should use permanent daylight time or remain in its traditional time zone [3].
Where this came from
[1] bbc.co.uk
Gales and heavy rain to impact UK as yellow wind warning issued
Preview image from bbc.co.uk
[2] bbc.com
Ferries cancelled and disrupted as strong gales and rain hit Scotland
Preview image from bbc.com
[3] globalnews.ca
Part of Ontario to move to permanent daylight time. Here’s why
Preview image from globalnews.ca
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