The UK has officially entered meteorological summer, and the Met Office is forecasting a week of glorious sunshine to mark the occasion. After a damp and dismal spring for many, a significant shift in the weather pattern is set to bring a taste of summer just in time for the new season.
A Warm Welcome to Summer
According to forecasters, high pressure will begin to build from the Atlantic, creating a 'blocking pattern' that will shield the UK from the wet and windy conditions often associated with low-pressure systems. This promises a largely dry and increasingly warm spell for the vast majority of the country.
Your Day-by-Day Sunshine Forecast
So, what can you expect? Here’s a look at the week ahead:
- Monday: A promising start with plenty of sunny spells, though the far north of Scotland may see some cloudier conditions.
- Tuesday to Thursday: The high pressure really takes hold, bringing widespread sunshine across England, Wales, and Northern Ireland. Temperatures will climb steadily each day.
- Friday and Beyond: The fine weather looks set to hold, with long periods of sunshine and temperatures potentially reaching the low-to-mid 20s Celsius for many. The south of England will likely see the warmest conditions.
While the north of Scotland might experience more changeable weather with a chance of some rain, for most it will be a week to finally enjoy the great outdoors.
Meteorological vs. Astronomical Summer
It's important to note that this is the start of meteorological summer, which runs from June 1st to August 31st. Meteorologists use this fixed calendar for simpler record-keeping and forecasting comparisons. Astronomical summer, based on the Earth's tilt and orbit around the sun, begins later with the summer solstice on June 20th this year.
So, dust off the barbecue, dig out the sunscreen, and get ready to enjoy a proper dose of British summer weather. After a grey spring, the nation is more than ready for some sustained sunshine.
