Increased air pressures are interfering with TV and radio shows, causing distorted or blank screen, due to transmitters being jumbled by the unusual conditions
Millions of Brits face missing their favourite TV and radio shows today as near-record strength air pressure scrambles broadcasters’ signals.
The BBC issued an official bad picture warning as some telly fans are set to see distorted or blank screens.
TV chiefs said transmitter masts’ broadcasts to homes’ aerials and radios will be jumbled by high air pressure up to 1045 millibars, close to the 1050 millibars mark which would be the highest for 93 years.
Trillions more molecules of air are being squashed into our skies by the high air pressure. The BBC said: “High pressure is currently affecting TV and radio services across parts of the UK.
“If your television picture starts to break up without warning, this could be the cause of the problem. There is nothing you can do but wait until the weather changes.”
Freeview, which provides TV channels to six in 10 UK homes – 40million Brits – fears blackouts. The company said: “High pressure may sometimes affect Freeview reception. It should clear once the weather changes. Please don’t retune your TV or box.”
Experts RXTV have said: “High pressure may bend TV signals beyond the usual line of sight from transmitter masts, causing distant signals to inferfere with local signals. For viewers, this means picture and sound dropouts.”
It comes as a tea-drinking boom has gripped Britain this weekend – as the nation’s favourite drink tastes better as the weather’s air pressure has gone haywire.
Barometer-busting high air pressure of 1045 millibars is making kettles boil at 101C, 4C higher than during recent storms – giving black tea an improved taste as it brews better at a higher temperature.
Brits will gulp down a mega 250 million cuppas this weekend – an average of five per adult – tea consumption data shows, as we enjoy the superior brewing conditions.
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna has said: “People suggest you make a better cup of tea if the boiling point is raised, so make the most of it.
“This also explains why tea never tastes so good in an airplane, as lower pressure at altitude lowers the boiling point.”
Experts Leaf Tea Shop said: “High water temperature gets a thick, robust structure from black tea, meaning the infusion balances and blends.”
Twist Teas brewer Claire Ayres said: “Black teas taste best brewed in water at the boil.”
Air pressure is close to 1051 millibars, the UK’s highest recorded for 93 years, since 1932. Storm Eowyn’s 941 millibars low pressure made water boil at just 97C, giving a worse tea brew.
According to research Brits consume a collective 53 million cups of tea each morning and that’s before 9am.