The UK is entering meteorological summer after an exceptionally warm end to May that brought record-breaking temperatures to parts of the country. While the recent heatwave has now eased, forecasters are looking ahead to the weather patterns that may shape June, July, and August.
Current forecasts suggest a contrast between the start of June and the remainder of the summer. Cooler temperatures, periods of rain, and unsettled conditions are expected in the short term, while longer-range outlooks indicate the possibility of warmer and drier weather later in the season.
Cooler and Wetter Conditions Arrive After Record-Breaking Heat
The late-May heatwave produced some of the highest temperatures ever recorded during the month in the UK. According to the BBC, temperatures reached 35.1C (95.2F) at Kew Gardens in London on May 27, setting a new May record. Wales also recorded its hottest May day, with 32.9C at Cardiff’s Bute Park.
That spell of unusually hot weather has now come to an end. According to the BBC, cooler Atlantic air moved across the country on Sunday, bringing temperatures down significantly from the 30C highs seen on Saturday. Forecasters expect conditions to remain more unsettled during the opening days of June.
The BBC reported that low-pressure systems are expected to move across the UK as a stronger jet stream replaces the “heat dome” pattern that had trapped warm air over the country. Rain is forecast in many areas, with some heavier outbreaks possible in western regions. Forecasters also expect a mix of sunshine and showers, with thunderstorms possible in some places.
The shift in weather may bring relief to areas that have experienced particularly dry conditions. According to the same source, gardeners and growers in southern and eastern England have faced several dry months and may benefit from the expected rainfall.
The recent heatwave also prompted health and safety concerns. Heat health alerts were issued across much of England, while emergency services and authorities renewed warnings about the dangers of open-water swimming following multiple fatalities during the hot weather period.
Summer Outlook Suggests Warmer Weather Later in the Season
While the start of June is expected to be unsettled, longer-range forecasts indicate that warmer conditions may develop as summer progresses. According to Netweather meteorologist Nick Finnis, June is likely to begin with above-average rainfall and temperatures that are close to or slightly below average before becoming warmer and drier during the second half of the month.
Looking further ahead, Netweather’s seasonal assessment suggests July could be warmer than average, although periods of unsettled weather may still occur. Finnis stated that weather patterns for July point to a generally warm setup, with a mixture of settled and unsettled spells.
The strongest signal in the forecast concerns August. According to Netweather, higher atmospheric pressure anomalies are projected across southern parts of the UK during that month, indicating a predominantly warm and dry pattern. Finnis described August as potentially “hot and dry,” particularly during the first half of the month.
The Met Office outlook broadly supports the expectation of a warm start to June. According to the agency, high pressure is likely to dominate initially, bringing fine weather, light winds, and temperatures that are probably above normal before lower pressure becomes more influential later in the month, especially across southern areas where heavy showers and thunderstorms may develop.
