Weather

Record-Breaking Summer Temperatures in the UK The summer of 2026 is poised to be remembered as the hottest on record for the United Kingdom, with a provisional mean temperature of 16.5°C. This marks a significant milestone as it not only surpasses previous records but also highlights the ongoing impact of human-induced climate change, which has made such extreme temperatures approximately 130 times more likely. The season has been characterised by not only warmth but also a notable amount of sunshine, with numerous locations experiencing some of their driest and sunniest summers since records began in 1910. Although late summer rainfall helped alleviate concerns about drought in certain areas, many regions still faced a notably dry season overall. Dr Amy Doherty, who heads the National Cli...

Thunderstorm Alerts Issued Across England and Wales Yellow warnings for thunderstorms have been activated for several regions in England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday, as warm and humid weather sets the stage for an increased likelihood of heavy rainfall, thunderstorms, and extended periods of rain. These conditions are expected to lead to significant weather changes across the area. On Tuesday, the British public can anticipate continued warm and dry weather, with temperatures in many places reaching the mid to high 20s Celsius. However, isolated showers and thunderstorms in the southwestern regions are projected to become more widespread, developing across England and Wales from Tuesday evening into the early hours of Wednesday. This shift brings the potential for extended periods ...

Calm Conditions at the Week's Outset The United Kingdom is poised to experience a predominantly tranquil beginning to the week ahead. On Monday, residents can expect largely dry weather, with abundant sunshine illuminating various regions across the country. Temperatures are anticipated to rise slightly above the seasonal average, reaching highs of 25°C in the southwestern parts of England and around 22°C in the northwest. Tuesday will continue this trend of settled weather, although the skies may become more overcast with the possibility of sporadic showers, particularly affecting the southern regions of the UK. Overall, the start of the week promises a pleasant climate for outdoor activities. Unsettled Weather on the Horizon However, a notable shift is forecasted for Wednesday, when the ...

Public Confidence in AI Weather Forecasts: A Study by the Met Office Understanding the Confidence Gap in Weather Forecasting Recent research conducted by the Met Office has unveiled a noteworthy disparity in public confidence between traditional weather forecasting methods and emerging artificial intelligence (AI) techniques. This pioneering study, published in the journal Artificial Intelligence for the Earth Systems, delves into the public’s trust in AI-generated forecasts and the perceived accuracy of these forecasts compared to established physics-based methods. The findings underscore the importance of engaging the public to fully harness the potential benefits of AI-enhanced weather predictions. AI is anticipated to play a crucial role in the future of meteorological forecasting. W...

Public Invited to Select Future Storm Name in Unique Collaboration The Met Office has announced an exciting opportunity for the public to influence the future of storm naming by voting for their favourite character from the beloved animated series, Shaun the Sheep. In partnership with Aardman, the creative minds behind the iconic character, the public will choose between Shaun and his younger companion, Timmy, to feature on the official storm names list for the upcoming 2026/27 storm season. This inaugural public vote is set to take place from 19 to 21 August, hosted on the Met Office’s social media platforms. Participants will be able to decide whether Shaun or Timmy will join the ranks of officially recognised storm names, with the winning name scheduled to be revealed on 1 September. Br...

Record-Breaking Climate Trends in 2025 The year 2025 has marked a significant turning point in global climate patterns, as it has set new records for atmospheric carbon dioxide levels, glacial ice loss, and soil dryness. The latest findings from the BAMS State of the Climate report reveal a concerning trend: a rapid deterioration of various climate metrics correlating with the rising concentrations of greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. Dr Robert Dunn, the lead editor for the Global Climate chapter of the report, expressed that the conditions observed in 2025 are unprecedented when compared to the 20th century. He noted, “Temperatures soared well above average, and when viewed alongside the years 2024 and 2023, it's clear that the last three years have been remarkable, surpassing records s...

Record-Breaking Temperatures Across the UK The latest heatwave has seen temperatures soar to a provisional high of 38.1°C at Kew Gardens in London, marking it as the fifth hottest day ever recorded in the United Kingdom. In Worcestershire, the town of Pershore also experienced sweltering conditions, reaching 38°C. Overall, approximately 40 locations throughout central and southern England recorded temperatures exceeding 36°C. This recent bout of extreme heat contributes to a notable trend in 2026, which has witnessed the highest number of days with temperatures at or exceeding 36°C—four days in total—alongside three days reaching 37°C. Remarkably, this summer has equalled 2022 in terms of the number of days hitting 38°C. Neil Armstrong, the Chief Forecaster, commented on the unusual weathe...