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Why has the summer started with cold and wet weather?

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Why is the weather so cold at the moment and will it get warmer?

It's the month of June, but it feels more like 'June-uary', with the UK experiencing a cold start to the summer.

The temperatures have been around 1-3C below average for the time of year, but cloud, rain and wind have made it feel even colder.

It's all because of air moving in from the Arctic - a big contrast to this time last year when the UK had the warmest June on record.

But will it get warmer anytime soon?

Why is it so cold?

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Weather experts - meteorologists - define the summer months as June, July and August.

Others say summer starts on the summer solstice - the longest day of the year - on 20 June.

At the moment, the cold air is being pushed in from the Artic, bringing these cold temperatures with it.

This brisk northerly wind paired with cloud and rain makes it feel even colder.

When will the weather improve in the UK?

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The sun is very strong as we approach the summer solstice, so when it does make an appearance you will feel warmth on your skin if you're out of the wind.

Some slightly more settled weather is forecast soon, which might bring some more sunshine and lighter winds.

Temperatures are expected to start creeping up although colder air will still be crossing the UK from the Arctic.

Overall, it looks like the first warm month of summer is likely to be in July.

Why is the UK weather so bad UK?

Image source, Getty Images
Image caption,

It might not be this hot yet, but the sun is still very strong when it comes out so don't forget to wear your sun cream!

Last year we saw the warmest June on record and we've recently had the warmest May and spring on record for the UK too.

Weather varies a lot in the UK, so cooler periods like this are still considered to be 'normal'.

We need to wait until the month is over and the statistics have been studied to see if the weather in June 2024 has been 'normal' or not.