Here’s if rain and cold are normal in summer – and when it will get warmer Bedford News

The weather has been volatile in much of the UK lately, with bright skies and warmer temperatures turning into stormy and gray conditions for many.

But why has the weather been so mixed so far this year?

Here’s what you need to know.

The start of the year saw cool temperatures and wet and windy conditions, but it wasn’t as bad as you might think.

The month of March saw an increase in average temperature of 0.9 ° C from national averages from 1981 to 2010 for the month, with high temperatures during the latter part of the month, with several stations breaking their existing records. for their hottest day in March.

At the same time, last month was the sunniest April on record, with central and southern Scotland and north-west England seeing well above average levels of sunshine.

However, May was marked by wet and windy conditions across the UK for most of the month.

The UK has seen persistent low pressure systems since the start of the month, with Wales and northern England in particular “bearing the brunt of persistent heavy rains and sometimes stormy conditions,” the Met Office explains.

Until May 18, parts of the UK, including northern England, Wales and parts of the southwest, had already recorded up to twice the May total rainfall.

Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern explained that the weather in May was due to a blocking high pressure.

This saw a large area of ​​high pressure resting over Greenland, which then pushed the jet stream south, with low pressure bringing “wind and rain followed by frequent heavy downpours,” Mr. McGivern.

The cooler side of the jet stream also brought below average temperatures.

June then saw a mix of hot temperatures, scorching sun, thunderstorms and heavy rain across the UK.

So far, the start of July has seen a mix of sun, clouds, thunderstorms, rain and fluctuating temperatures.

For the remainder of the month, the Met Office UK outlook for July 8-17 said: “While Wednesday is likely another volatile day with rain or showers, after that there should be a trend towards more stable conditions as drier weather develops from the west.

“By the end of the week, many areas are expected to experience dry weather, although occasional showers remain. More prolonged unstable weather is less likely, mainly in the west.

“Towards the end of the period, things generally look good and dry, although there remains a risk of isolated thunderstorms. Many areas are expected to see temperatures rise throughout the period, with parts of the south potentially becoming very warm Winds are looking to stay light across the UK for most of the period.