Embracing the unpredictable: UK spring weather 2024

A season of contrasts

The Met Office’s Seasonal Assessment reveals that this spring was a rollercoaster of weather events. March kicked off with a chilly start, as temperatures plunged to -4.6°C in Oxfordshire. Snowflakes fall across the south-west, disrupting travel and reminding us of winter’s touch. Yet, the cold was fleeting, as the mercury soared to 18.8°C in Surrey, painting a picture of an early summer.

April followed suit with its own set of surprises. The month began warm but swiftly transitioned to an unseasonably cold second half. Overall, temperatures hovered around or slightly above average, with a mean value of 7.5°C, which is 0.7°C above the 1991-2020 average.

Rainfall varied across the UK, from heavy downpours in southern and central England to a drier spell under the influence of high pressure mid-April. The provisional total rainfall for March and April was 219.2 mm, a significant 139.8% of the long-term average.

Sunshine was scarce, with only 82.4% of the average sunshine. The eleventh named storm of the season, Kathleen, swept across the UK, bringing gales and heavy rain, further emphasising the season’s volatility.

The unpredictable future

This spring has highlighted a clear message: the weather is becoming increasingly unpredictable. With record-breaking warmth in some parts and unexpected frosts in others, it’s a stark reminder of the changing climate’s impact on our daily lives.