The UK has experienced its coolest summer since 2015, based on preliminary data from the Met Office. Despite recent trends of consistently hot and dry summers, 2024 deviated from this pattern. Although a few days were warm, they did not match the intense heat of previous years, leading many to feel this summer fell short of expectations.
However, the experience of summer varied significantly across the UK. In the South, South East, and East of England, the weather was relatively typical. In contrast, the North West and Scotland experienced higher rainfall, less sunshine, and cooler temperatures on average.
After a 30°C start to September, the rest of the month may bring rain, wind, and thunderstorms. The Met Office has issued a thunderstorm alert, warning of lightning strikes and hail. This follows the naming of Storm Lilian in August, making this storm season the most active since the introduction of storm naming nearly a decade ago.
🌡️ The UK has had its coolest summer since 2015, according to provisional Met Office statistics.
Get the details in the Press Release below, or read this short thread 👇🧵
— Met Office (@metoffice) September 2, 2024
Despite this cooler summer, it still aligns with a broader warming trend due to climate change. Met Office scientist Emily Carlisle noted that while this summer felt cool compared to recent years, the overall trend shows an increase in warmer summers. Climate change is increasing the frequency of warmer weather in the UK, though natural variability means cooler summers will still occur.
June and July had below-average mean temperatures, influenced by northern winds bringing cold Arctic air. August saw slightly above-average temperatures due to westerly winds bringing warmer Atlantic air. England’s mean daily temperature was only 0.07°C below average, while Scotland and Northern Ireland saw decreases of 0.4°C and 0.45°C, respectively.
Northern Ireland also experienced a cooler-than-average summer. Rainfall varied, with Scotland receiving over one-and-a-half times its average August rainfall, with areas like Glasgow, Renfrewshire, and Ayrshire and Arran experiencing double the average. England, however, had almost a quarter less rainfall than its seasonal average, similar to Wales.
The Midlands received only a third of its expected rainfall. Wales, Northern Ireland, and large parts of Scotland had reduced sunshine, while only parts of the South and East of England enjoyed increased sunshine levels.
What Other Media Are Saying
- LBC reports that the UK has experienced its coolest summer since 2015, with temperatures below average and significant rainfall, leading to a thunderstorm warning.(read more)
- The Independent reports that the UK’s unprecedented seven-day 30C heatwave in September has ended with rain and thunderstorms, marking the longest heatwave on record for the UK. The rain brought temperatures down, and further showers are expected, signaling the conclusion of the heatwave.(read more)
- The Independent reports that thunderstorms are expected to hit the UK this week, leading to potential flash flooding and unsettled weather conditions, with some areas experiencing up to 80mm of rainfall and highs of 27C on Friday.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why was this summer cooler in the UK?
Northern winds brought down cold Arctic air, making June and July cooler.
Did all parts of the UK experience cooler weather?
No, it varied. The South, South East, and East of England had usual weather, while the North West and Scotland were cooler and wetter.
How did August’s weather differ from June and July?
August had slightly above-average temperatures due to westerly winds bringing warmer Atlantic air.
Was rainfall consistent across the UK this summer?
No, Scotland was particularly wet, while England, Wales, and the Midlands saw less rainfall than usual.
Is this cooler summer an indication that climate change isn’t happening?
No, it fits within a wider warming trend, showing that natural variability still brings cooler summers occasionally.