Met Office says UK gripped by 'anticyclonic gloom' as Brits bemoan 'claustrophobic' weather

Britain is being gripped by "anticyclonic gloom," the Met Office has confirmed, as Brits bemoan having to endure days and days of "depressing... almost claustrophobic" weather.

The persistent low-lying cloud, which at times forms into fog and mist, has been a constant presence for several days.

Despite the absence of rain, people across the UK have taken to social media to express their dismay. The Met Office addressed the unusual conditions yesterday, explaining that the country is under the spell of an "anticyclonic gloom," a term used when high pressure causes moisture to be trapped close to the Earth's surface, resulting in extended periods of overcast weather with potential mist and fog.

In a tweet on Monday afternoon, the Met Office said: "This week's weather phrase: Anticyclonic Gloom... This can occur when high pressure traps a layer of moisture near to the earth's surface, bringing a prolonged period of dull and cloudy weather, with mist and fog also possible. How would you describe today's weather?"

Recent photographs depict the mist and fog that continue to shroud the UK, particularly in the southern regions. Due to the "anticyclonic gloom," temperatures have stayed relatively mild, reaching 14C in Plymouth, Devon, on Monday.

Forecasts predict highs of 17C in Bristol and 16C in Denbighshire, north Wales, today.

Brits are grappling with eerie weather, leaving many feeling downbeat. One resident vented on what used to be known as Twitter: "I mean the lack of wind and rain is great but the heavy gloomy sky, my God is so depressing. It's been the same for a full week and your forecast is the same all this week too. Just awful, claustrophobic almost.", reports the Mirror.

While another expressed: "I'd rather it were colder."

Another person said: "We have a summer with little or no anti-cyclonic weather and when we do it's in November and depressingly dull."

There was also a traveller who described flying into Newcastle Airport. They recounted how it took several minutes for the plane to re-emerge through the thick cloud during the approach and landing.

Giving some statistical context, the Met Office remarked that despite the high pressure system overhead, November has been quite dry. The wettest recorded spot on Monday was Glenanne, County Armagh, where just 4.6mm of rain pattered down, hardly enough to lift spirits.