Britain's swarms of flying ants mistaken for drizzle on Met Office maps as heatwave prompts premature outburst

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Britain's annual flying ant season has arrived earlier than usual, with swarms so large they have alerted the Met Office weather radar and have been mistaken for patches of drizzle.The unusual phenomenon occurred as the UK recorded its highest-ever June temperature, with the recent spell of hot weather creating ideal conditions for millions of winged ants to emerge.

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Meteorologists expect further false radar readings in the coming days as warm conditions continue through the third heatwave of the year this week.The insects, known as alates, are the winged form of ants that leave their underground colonies each summer to mate.

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TRENDING Stories Videos Your Say While many people refer to a single "Flying Ant Day", experts say this is a misconception.Swarms can occur at different times throughout the summer, typically between July and August and sometimes into September, with this year's peak expected between July 10 and July 25.A Met Office spokesman said the insects can briefly appear on...

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