Britain faces a dramatic shift in weather this June as a vast 742-mile-long rain front is predicted to sweep across the country, bringing heavy showers and cooler conditions. Following an exceptionally dry and sunny spring—the driest in England since 1893 and the sixth driest for Wales—many will welcome the much-needed rainfall, even if it disrupts summer plans.
The upcoming weeks will feature a mix of warm, sometimes sunny spells, especially in southeastern England where temperatures could reach the mid-20s Celsius, alongside episodes of low pressure systems pulling in heavy rain from the Atlantic. This combination spells a changeable landscape of weather ahead.
Recent weeks have seen a transition from high pressure dominance, characterized by clear skies and warmth, to gusty winds and unsettled conditions. Over the weekend, residents can expect wet and windy weather, which will intensify by mid-June.
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According to forecasts from WXCharts and reports from the Mirror, on June 17th, a colossal band of rain stretching from Plymouth in the southwest to Wick in the far north is set to drench much of the UK. The East Midlands and northwest England are likely to see the heaviest rainfall, with intense showers delivering up to 10mm per hour in cities such as Manchester, Leicester, and Nottingham.
Wales faces particularly dense rainfall, potentially rendering the region almost invisible on weather radar. Mid Wales and northwest areas may experience persistent rain at rates of 5mm per hour, while by midday, most of the UK will be engulfed in a steady downpour—except for some southwestern pockets which may see slightly drier conditions.
Scotland could see accumulations reaching 50mm overall, and London is forecast to receive a peak of around 20mm. The Met Office warns of a “changeable” weather pattern through June 9-17 with periods of showers and prolonged rain moving in from the Atlantic. While the north and northwest will experience the most sustained rainfall, the southeast may remain comparatively dry and warmer.
In the latter part of the period, warmer temperatures could return for parts of the south and east, accompanied by the risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms. Mid-June may bring a resurgence of high pressure, leading to drier and sunnier spells, especially in southern areas.
Day-to-day, the UK can expect:
- Today: Rainy morning transitioning to drier spells, but with possible heavy showers later, temperatures reaching 18°C and brisk winds.
- Tonight: Dry spells with scattered showers; heavier rain likely later at night, especially in coastal regions, with lows around 9°C.
- Friday: Generally drier with sunny intervals and isolated showers. Pleasantly warm and breezy with highs near 18°C.
- Weekend Outlook: Continued changeable weather with heavy showers and possible thunderstorms on Saturday, shifting to drier, windy, and cooler conditions through Monday.
This June’s wet weather will be a marked departure from the dry spring, bringing relief to gardens and reservoirs but requiring UK residents to prepare for an unsettled summer start.