Met Office verdict on when UK could see hot weather again after dreary start to June

Jon Macpherson & Stephen Topping

13 June 2024 at 7:28 am·3-min read

June has kicked off with a rather chilly start in Lancashire and across the rest of the UK.

The mercury has dipped significantly below the average for this time of year, making it feel more like autumn than summer. This stark contrast to last year's weather is quite noticeable.

Around this time in 2023, Brits were basking in glorious sunshine with temperatures nearly double what we've experienced this month, thanks to a record-breaking heatwave. Summer 2023 started off sizzling with temperatures soaring up to around 32C.

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However, the Met Office reports that the UK has been experiencing temperatures up to 5C lower than usual in recent days. A mid-Atlantic jet stream has ushered winds from the north to the south, resulting in cooler temperatures nationwide.

The longing for warmer climes is palpable, but unfortunately, they could still be weeks away, the M.E.N reports. Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge stated: "It looks as if temperatures will stay near or slightly below average for the majority of the rest of June."

Unsettled weather is on the horizon due to low pressure over northern areas of the UK. After cloudy spells this morning (June 13), heavy rain is expected to set in from around 3pm.

This will be followed by an overcast night with light rain spells, according to the Met Office forecast. Temperatures are unlikely to exceed 15C, with lows in Lancashire of 11C overnight.

The county is also braced for more showers tomorrow and throughout the weekend. Friday could see a slight warm-up with highs of 16C predicted, but according to the Met Office, Saturday will be cooler at 14C.

Despite temperatures expected to rise slightly nationwide, they are still likely to remain below the average for June. Mr Partridge explained: "From Thursday onwards and through the weekend, we'll see showers circulating around the UK.

"However, temperatures will improve because that low pressure will cut off the supply of cold air across the UK, and as a result, we'll see the source of air coming from the west causing night-time temperatures to pick up a little. In the daytime we'll still be staying a degree or so below average, but the big difference is it will mean that overnight temperatures will pick up so our nights won't be as cold."

There's a glimmer of hope for warmer weather in July, with Met Office models hinting at 'slightly above average' temperatures. However, it's too early to predict next month's weather with certainty, as Mr Partridge stated there is currently 'no strong signal' of any particular weather pattern.

He added: "The models are following the climatological norm, which indicates that temperatures are where they should be or slightly above average. So there is a hint of things turning slightly warmer as we move into the beginning of July, and it does look as if some spells of drier weather will become a bit more likely."

Latest 5-day Met Office forecast

Thursday:

A bright start for many this morning with hazy sunshine in places. Cloud thickening through this morning with showery rain arriving this afternoon. Temperatures somewhat higher than yesterday but still feeling on the cool side with winds becoming quite blustery. Maximum temperature 16C.

Tonight:

Heavier and more persistent rain for a time this evening, but this clearing to more showery conditions overnight. Winds easing with clear spells developing and much milder than last night. Minimum temperature 8C.

Friday:

A mixed day of cloud, warm sunny spells and showers. The showers may be heavy with a risk of thunder but will generally move through quickly. Blustery winds at times. Maximum temperature 17C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Changeable and showery with some heavy downpours and thunderstorms in places, especially on Saturday. Occasional drier periods too, particularly on Sunday and Monday and feeling warm in the sunnier spells.

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