Why it is so cold this June and when temperatures will start to rise

Ffion Lewis

11 June 2024 at 3:20 pm·3-min read

It may be the second week of June but the temperatures across Wales have been more reminiscent of early spring than the start of summer with some areas nearly 10 degrees colder than this time last year. It has been so cold that some parts of the country have even seen lows of just above freezing overnight.

And while the long-range forecast for Wales does look slightly better it could get colder before it gets warmer with temperatures dropping low enough for a "touch of frost" according to the Met Office. Across the UK generally temperatures have been several degrees below the June average for days as a result of a northerly wind from Greenland and Iceland.

So much so that on Tuesday, June 11, Cardiff for instance was 16°C compared to 24°C on the same date in June 2023. In the north of the country and higher up into Scotland the difference has been even more stark with even a dusting of snow over recent days. For the latest Welsh news delivered to your inbox sign up to our newsletter.

But why is it so cold this year? And when exactly can we expect some warmer weather? The cold weather is a result of a change in the jet stream which is more southernly than usual and as a result is is pushing cold air and showers from colder areas towards the UK.

This is also compounded by the wet showers we have been seeing. Met Office meteorologist Stephen Dixon told PA news there would be a “more unsettled weather regime” this week and while overnight temperatures “could be getting towards the low single figures” in northern parts of Scotland the south-east of England will see the highest temperatures with 19°C expected on Thursday and Friday.

However Mr Dixon warned: “It won’t feel particularly warm with the rain we have been having.” Current forecasts suggest that Wales will not see highs of more than around 18°C.

The Met Office forecast for Wales

Wednesday, June 12: "A generally brighter day than on Tuesday with variable amounts of cloud and sunny spells. The outside chance of a light shower. Feeling a little warmer with mainly light winds. Maximum temperature 18°C."

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

"Turning wet and windy on Thursday with heavy rain arriving and perhaps a spell of coastal gales in the west. Sunny spells and heavy blustery showers on Friday and Saturday."

Long-range weather forecast from June 16 to June 25:

"Into the start of this period a continuation of a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers likely dominating across the majority of the UK. Some showers are expected to be heavy and could be accompanied by the odd rumble of thunder.

"Temperatures likely slightly below normal for the time of year. Breezy in some coastal areas, most likely across the southeast and northwest. Later in the week and through the following weekend confidence in any dominant weather pattern is low.

"As such fairly typical conditions for the UK are most probable with a mixture of weather types. This means some spells of drier, sunny weather but also some showers or longer spells of rain at times. Temperatures will most likely be close to or slightly below average."

Manchester Evening News
Urgent warning issued as temperatures set to soar to 30C
A heat alert has been issued for all but one region of England
CNN
‘Catastrophic flooding’ in Upper Midwest prompts evacuations as record-breaking heat wave broils the West and mid-Atlantic
As thousands across the US – including in New Mexico, Iowa, Minnesota and South Dakota – contend with “catastrophic” flash flooding this weekend, many Americans are still trudging through a record-setting heat wave that is shifting to the Mid-Atlantic. Here’s the latest:
The Telegraph
Britain’s wilful destruction of its oil and gas industry is beyond belief
Until last week, few would ever have heard of Horse Hill, near Horley in Surrey, still less been there.
The Telegraph
Miliband vows to scrap 2035 Tory ban on new gas boilers
Labour will scrap the Tory party’s 2035 target to ban new gas boilers, Ed Miliband has pledged.
Oxford Mail
'Majority of UK' to see heatwave and highest temperatures of 2024 next week
Most of the UK will experience a heatwave next week, according to the Met Office, with the highest temperatures of 2024 expected.
The Telegraph
Woman mauled by wolves while jogging in French safari park
A woman suffered serious injuries after she was attacked by three wolves while jogging at a luxury zoo lodge in France.
Evening Standard
Heatwaves ‘likely to hit UK’ after drizzly spring – but it will not last
Heatwaves are likely to descend on parts of the UK next week in a short-lived burst of sun after a drizzly spring, forecasters have said.Most of the UK “will experience the finest conditions and highest temperatures so far this year” and some isolated weather stations may see temperatures hit 30C, the Met Office said.
The Independent
Thousands stranded after another air-traffic control slowdown at Gatwick
‘We require Nats management to urgently ensure resource levels are in place to prevent disruption for our passengers’ – airport spokesperson
The Telegraph
Take care in the mini heatwave experts warn – until midweek when it starts raining again
Britain will sizzle in three days of summer this week before thunder and rain puts a dampener on the weather just in time for Glastonbury.
Reuters Videos
Deadly Greek wildfires fanned by gale-force winds
STORY: :: June 21, 2024:: Firefighters battle forest fires fanned by gale-force winds on Greece's southern tip:: Latas, Greece :: Kalfas, Greece :: Theodoros Baris, Local mayor“The weather conditions were very difficult. We had really strong winds, we had a fast spread and it was very difficult to deal with them.”:: At least one person was killed, and evacuations were ordered in several towns “Houses, stables and livestock have burned. We are not even talking about agricultural production, you understand. The damages are too great.” The 55-year-old man was injured in a blaze in the region of Ilia on the Peloponnese peninsula and died at a hospital, said a fire service official. Some 120 firefighters, assisted by dozens of engines, were deployed to tame forest fires in Achaia region, which spread fast to the nearby district of Ilia and raged uncontrolled. Wildfires are common in the Mediterranean country, but they have become more devastating as summers have become hotter, drier and windier, which scientists relate to climate change.
The Guardian
Carbon emissions from vans still rising as UK drivers cling to diesel
Costly new vehicles, limited choice and scarce charging points are holding back a switch to electric by businesses
Hereford Times
Herefordshire woodland with natural spring goes up for sale
WOODLAND with its own natural spring water supply is up for sale in Herefordshire.
The Telegraph
Revealed: the world-first plan to turn worn-out British tyres into jet fuel
In its faltering battle to cut carbon emissions, the aviation industry has stumbled on a novel solution – jet fuel made from thousands of worn-out British car tyres.
Storyful
Flash Flooding Hits Sioux Falls Following Heavy Rainfall
Flooding and rainfall in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, on Friday, June 21, put pressure on the city’s wastewater management system, officials said, forcing it to run at near-capacity levels.Footage released by the City of Sioux Falls shows heightened water levels at Falls Park.The National Weather Service had issued a flash flooding warning for Sioux Falls and surrounding areas on Friday.“The flooding and additional rainfall Friday night is straining the City’s wastewater collection and treatment system, forcing it to run at or near maximum capacity,” the city wrote on X.Residents were asked to conserve wastewater.The city also encouraged residents out and about to observe flooding safety rules. Credit: City of Sioux Falls – Municipal Government via Storyful
The Telegraph
Labour’s net zero grid will require ‘huge sacrifice’, warns energy chief
Labour’s plan for a net zero grid by 2030 is unrealistic and will require a “huge sacrifice” by the country, a leading power station builder has warned.
CNN
A heat wave is bringing searing temperatures to New York and the I-95 corridor. Washington DC has hit 100 degrees
A dangerous heat wave over the eastern US is bringing sweltering temperatrues to much of the US this weekend, including over parts of the Ohio Valley and mid-Atlantic. Meanwhile, a tropical system could develop this weekend through the southwest Gulf of Mexico. Here’s the latest:
CNN
Relentless deadly rains lash southern China as flooding threatens millions
Tens of thousands of people across southern China have been evacuated, with many more potentially at risk, as deadly torrential rains continue to lash the region, causing flash flooding and mudslides.
The Independent
UK weather health alert issued by Met Office as temperatures to soar across country
Temperatures could soar to 30C for some in the UK next week - but this will bring a risk of increased deaths for older and vulnerable people, it’s been warned
The Hill
US heat wave continues to bring scorching temperatures along East Coast
The heat wave that has already scorched many parts of the U.S. will continue to sear most of the mid-Atlantic region on Sunday before moving to the south early this week. The National Weather Service (NWS) said in a forecast Saturday that the “significant” heat wave will continue into this week, with temperatures of the…
CBC
How to keep bird poop out of the water? At this Quebec beach, with RC boats
Don't report that lifeguard for goofing off. He's actually doing his job. This summer, the city of Sherbrooke, Que., is equipping its public beach workers with small remote-controlled boats to whiz around the water in an effort to scare off unwelcome waterfowl.Every year, seagulls, geese and ducks settle on the waters of Lucien-Blanchard beach and Parc de la Plage‑Municipale beach, leaving droppings that harm the water quality and quickly accumulate on the banks. Ingrid Dubuc, the director of th

The Met Office forecast for Wales

Latest stories