The Met Office has forecasted a greater likelihood of a hot summer across the United Kingdom, following the country’s sunniest and driest spring on record. Between March 1 and May 27, the UK experienced 630 hours of sunshine, setting a new benchmark for springtime brightness.
The recent period also saw temperatures rise to 8 degrees Celsius above the seasonal average on the final day of meteorological spring.
According to reports by the Independent, the Met Office’s outlook highlights an increased risk of heatwaves and associated impacts for the summer months, emphasizing a pattern that may affect the UK’s weather conditions in the coming weeks.
Record Sunshine and Dry Conditions in Spring
Between March 1 and May 27, the UK experienced 630 hours of sunshine, marking the sunniest spring on record. This period also ranked as the driest spring in over a century.
On the last day of meteorological spring, temperatures reached 8 degrees Celsius above the average for this time of year, highlighting the potential for a warm summer ahead.
Summer Temperature Outlook
The Met Office’s three-month forecast, covering June through August, indicates that the probability of a hot summer is 2.3 times higher than normal.
Average temperatures during this period typically range from 10 to 17 degrees Celsius across the UK, with the southeast of England expected to experience higher averages around 16 to 17 degrees Celsius.
Recent Trends in Summer Temperatures
Summers in 2018 and from 2021 to 2023 were also predicted to be hot. The data shows that the last time a summer was forecast to be cool was in 2015, indicating a shift toward warmer summers over the past decade.
Rainfall and Wind Speed Expectations
Rainfall levels and wind speeds for the next three months are expected to be near average. The Met Office emphasizes that this long-range forecast provides an overall trend for temperature, rainfall, and wind speed but does not offer specific predictions for individual days or weeks.
The forecast underscores the increased chances of warm conditions and heatwaves this summer, signaling the need for preparedness regarding heat-related risks as the UK enters the season.
