As schools break up for summer across the UK, the typical summer weather seems to be on holiday too. July has started off cool and wet, with many parts of England, including East Anglia, the Midlands, and the south-east, already receiving a month’s worth of rainfall. Northolt in west London recorded 66mm of rain in just the first seven days of July, surpassing its expected monthly total by 139%.
What’s Causing the Rainy Weather?
The culprit is the jet stream, which has been stuck in a pattern over Greenland and the North Atlantic, driving low-pressure systems over the UK. These low-pressure systems have moved slowly, bringing prolonged periods of rain, especially to England. Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland have seen closer-to-average rainfall.
Cool Temperatures and Cloud Cover
Alongside the rain, temperatures have also been unseasonably cool, ranging 2-3°C below average. Cloud cover has blocked out much of the July sunshine, continuing a trend from June, which also started cooler before a brief heatwave at the month’s end.
What’s Next for the UK’s Summer Weather?
Low-pressure systems are expected to linger, bringing more rain and potential localised flooding, particularly in Scotland. However, some relief may be on the horizon, as temperatures are forecast to rise to near or slightly above average in the coming weeks, offering at least some warm spells of sunshine.