General Information » Environment » Climate

The stereotype of a Brit moaning about the UK’s unpredictable weather – there’s always too much rain or not enough – is largely a fair one. Unexpected changes in temperature and conditions are common, although locals still seem surprised, bemused and mildly annoyed.

The phrase ’April showers’ has become synonymous with the weather during spring. This is probably the most unpredictable time of year: the average rainfall during the month is 6mm and the lowest temperature on record for the United Kingdom was recorded in April, but it has also been known for London to reach as high as 29°C in spring (temperatures range from an average low of about 7°C to an average high of 15°C).

Recent summers have seen record temperatures; the summer of 2005 was one of the hottest on record for Britain and much of Europe. Typically, temperatures range from an average low of about 14°C to an average high of 23°C in summer. Autumns have also been unseasonably hot in recent years.

Of course, there’s no guaranteeing these high temperatures, something for which regular tube users are grateful – the London Underground network has no air conditioning. In winter, London is one of the warmest places in the country, meaning there’s little chance of snow, but it’s still advisable to dress warmly (temperatures range from an average low of 2°C to an average high of 8°C in winter). These extremes and rises in temperature have, as in other cities, being blamed on global warming. However, other meteorologists have been quick to dismiss such suggestions, stating the UK has always had a variable climate. Regardless, it’s sensible to have an umbrella or waterproof jacket to hand, whatever the season. For an up-to-date five-day forecast visit the Met Office website at www.met-office.gov.uk.