The UK is an island located between the Atlantic Ocean and continental Europe. As a result, it’s affected by different air masses: arctic winds from the north, maritime winds from the west, tropical winds from the south, and continental winds from the east. The position of the jet stream also influences weather patterns, leading to colder and wetter conditions. These factors all contribute to the changeability of UK weather.
Adjusting to these unpredictable weather patterns can be challenging for immigrants, especially those coming from hotter climates. Use this Remitly guide to make your transition to UK weather smoother.
What is the weather like in each season?
Like most countries in the Northern Hemisphere, the UK has four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. Each season lasts around three months and brings different weather conditions. However, seasonal weather can vary; for example, the UK will often experience an unusually wet summer or a mild winter.
Spring: transition and renewal
Spring in the UK occurs during the months of March, April and May. The weather starts to get warmer, and there is more daylight. The UK often experiences warm and dry days in spring, but “April showers”—which can occur even in March and May—bring spells of intense, heavy rain. Spring nights can be cold, and the mornings bright and frosty.
Summer: sunshine and storms
June, July and August are summer months in the UK, when the weather is hottest and sunniest. On average, June is the sunniest month, while July is the warmest. Thunderstorms are more common in summer than in any other season.
Autumn: crisp air, coats, and scarves
September, October and November are autumn months in the UK. The days get shorter and cooler, and wet, windy weather becomes more common. Mornings and evenings can be cold: if you have a car, you might need to start defrosting it in the morning.
Winter: frost and snow
The winter months, December, January and February, are the coldest and darkest. Winter weather in the UK can be stormy, with heavy rain and high winds.
It can also be cold and icy. During the winter months, you are most likely to see snow, and extreme weather is more commonplace.
How to prepare for extreme weather in the UK
Given its unpredictability, preparing for UK weather can be a challenging task. Summer may be cool and damp, but you must also account for unexpected heatwave conditions. Meanwhile, winters can be mild, but heavy snowfall is also possible. In addition, extreme weather events are occurring more frequently.
Let’s look at some things you can do to secure your home and stay safe and comfortable, whatever the weather.
Strong winds
If strong winds are forecast, secure any loose items outside, such as bins, garden furniture or trampolines, to avoid the risk of injury to people or damage to your home.
High winds also create dangerous driving conditions and cause travel delays.
- If you are planning a trip, check for delays before setting off and during your journey.
- If you are travelling by car, pack some essentials like food, drink, a charged phone, and warm clothing in case you are held up.
- Drive with care, especially around high-sided vehicles.
- Be extra careful in coastal areas, as strong winds can whip up large waves that are extremely dangerous.
Windy conditions often mean power cuts, too. So, if a storm is coming, ensure your phone is fully charged and keep torches at the ready. If your power goes off unexpectedly, contact your Distribution Network Operator (DNO) by calling 105 or report the incident online.
Heavy rain
One thing Brits know about is wet weather. However, spells of very heavy rainfall are increasing in frequency and often cause flooding. To keep your family and property safe:
- Assess whether your home is at risk of flooding. Use this helpful tool on the official UK government website.
- If your home is at risk, prepare a flood plan. This official checklist is a helpful resource.
- Check flood advice for your area. If you are likely to be affected:
- Park your car away from flood water
- Put valuables and important documents high up in your home
- Turn off your gas, water, electricity, and other utilities.
- Make sure your phone is charged up.
- If the worst happens and you are trapped in your home by floodwater, go to the highest level of the building except the attic. Then, call 999 and wait for help.
Never attempt to drive, walk or swim through floodwater. If you are trapped by deep or fast-flowing water, make the call and wait for emergency services to arrive.
Also, It’s best to avoid driving in very heavy rain. But if you must, stay safe by driving slowly and keeping a greater distance from other vehicles.
Snow and ice
Snowfall is common in the UK but not guaranteed. Therefore, most motorists tend not to have winter tires fitted as standard and may not be used to driving in snow. This can be dangerous as snow and ice make for hazardous driving conditions. They can also cause power cuts.
If you must drive in snowy or icy conditions:
- Ensure your car is ready for icy roads by using appropriately rated tyres and plenty of screenwash. If the snow gets too deep, put snow chains on your tyres.
- Keep your mobile phone fully charged.
- Carry warm clothes and a hot drink
- Check in advance for any delays.
Heatwaves
Summer is the warmest season in the UK, but temperatures are generally not as hot as in other countries. For that reason, air conditioning is not a common addition to many UK homes and businesses, so very hot weather can result in uncomfortable conditions indoors and on public transport.
To help stay safe and comfortable in hot weather:
- Avoid being outdoors between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m., when the sun is hottest.
- Drink plenty of fluids and take water with you when you go out.
- Apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat when going outside.
- Dress in lightweight fabrics in light colours to keep cool.
- Close the curtains in rooms facing the sun.
- Keep your windows and doors closed during the day and open them at night.
- Use fans, which can be a good way to keep the air in your home moving.
During this time, you might be tempted to have fun and cool off in the water. However, rivers and the sea around the UK can still be cold enough to cause shock, even when it’s hot.
Storms and flash flooding sometimes accompany hot weather, too.
Other essential tips for you and your home
- Monitor weather forecasts regularly to stay updated on potential warnings.
- Register for local emergency alerts for your area.
- Prepare an emergency kit containing basic essentials.
- Inspect your roof regularly and keep an eye out for water damage after heavy rains.
- Improve your home’s insulation and maintain your heating system so that it functions properly during cold weather spells.
- Keep a power backup
- Always remember to check on vulnerable neighbours in extreme weather.
Regional variations in UK weather
Besides seasonal differences, weather in the UK also varies according to location. Often, weather conditions differ significantly across England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
- Generally, the further south you are, the warmer the weather.
- You will experience wetter weather the further west you go.
- Heavy snow and ice are common in northeast Scotland but very rare in southwest England.
The impact of climate change on UK weather
Climate change is causing more frequent extreme weather events in the UK. For example, temperatures have risen by 10 to 20% during the summer months alone. How else is climate change influencing weather nationwide?
- As the climate becomes warmer and wetter, the UK is experiencing milder and wetter winters with heavier rainfall, which causes flooding.
- Heatwaves have become more frequent and intense during summer.
- While flooding is a problem, there is also an increased likelihood of drought.
Extreme weather patterns are a major challenge because of their human impact and dangers like flooding or illness due to extreme heat. It can also affect food production, which drives up the cost of buying food. Extreme weather is also tied to increased insurance costs.
What to expect in the future
Climate change will likely continue to affect weather in the UK, so look forward to wetter, milder winters and hotter summers. Extreme weather events are likely to become more frequent and intense, too, so it’s even more important to be prepared.
Resources and tools for staying weather-ready
Searching for the latest expert advice about weather in the UK? Here are some helpful sources:
- UK Met Office: As the UK’s national weather and climate service, the Met Office provides up-to-date advice on weather readiness.
- British Council: Find tips about what to wear in every season.
- Region-specific advice: Find information about weather preparedness for different parts of the UK, including Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
FAQs
What are the four seasons in the UK?
Like other countries in the Northern Hemisphere, the UK experiences four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter.
What are the seasonal weather patterns in the UK?
In the UK, spring tends to be warmer, with more daylight and spells of intense, heavy rain. Summer is hot and sunny, with lots of thunderstorms. Meanwhile, autumn is cold, wet, and windy, and the days are shorter. But winter is often cold and dark, peppered by heavy rains and snow.
Why is the weather in the UK becoming more extreme?
Climate change is the main cause of changing weather conditions in the UK, such as higher rainfall, more heatwaves, flooding, and drought.
