Millions of tea-loving Britons had a disappointing cuppa last November, all thanks to Storm Ciarán and its record-breaking low pressure system. This weather phenomenon caused the boiling point of water to drop below the usual 100 degrees Celsius that experts recommend for making the perfect brew.
A recent study conducted by meteorologists at the University of Reading, which was published in the journal Weather, revealed that on the morning of the storm, the water in Reading was boiling at a mere 98 degrees Celsius. This drop in boiling point can have a significant impact on the taste of tea, as the ideal temperature is crucial for extracting the full flavor from tea leaves.
Caleb Miller, a PhD student and co-author of the study, saw an opportunity to investigate the properties of boiling water during low atmospheric pressure. By setting up his equipment in the meteorology department’s labs, Miller and his team were able to measure the boiling point accurately.
Using temperature sensors and a standard electric kettle, the researchers conducted controlled experiments to compare the results with previous boiling points recorded under different air pressure conditions. Additionally, they gathered weather data from various sources, including roadside weather stations across southern England and pressure readings from the Reading University Atmospheric Observatory.
Their findings showed that the pressure minimum moved northeast across the region during the morning of the storm, coinciding with typical breakfast times. This unusual effect of low pressure on boiling temperatures is not commonly observed in densely populated areas, making it a unique occurrence.
Alec Bennett, another co-author of the study, highlighted that while mountaineers are familiar with the impact of pressure on boiling temperatures, Storm Ciarán brought this effect to a much wider region. The study shed light on how weather conditions can influence everyday activities, such as making a simple cup of tea.
Understanding the science behind how weather phenomena like low pressure can affect boiling points not only adds to our knowledge of meteorology but also provides insight into how seemingly unrelated factors can influence our daily routines. The next time you make a cup of tea during a storm, you might want to consider the atmospheric pressure outside your window and adjust your brewing time accordingly for that perfect brew.
