sunny_vale

Definitely had worse starts to summer!

Seems like a reverse of the daily cloud patterns we were experiencing earlier in the month - or should I say in May! Cloudy mornings, burning back into the afternoon, then returning later evening/night time. I think I prefer it this way with the sun out while it's at a higher angle.

I went for a bit pants. March was quite depressing for me. I don't expect a great deal from it, but do need just a handful of days with some sun and mid-teen temps to get me out of a post-winter lull. I love winter but by end of Feb, that's when any form of SAD starts to kick in if the weather doesn't start to improve at least a bit. April was 'meh' - not horrific but disappointing, like a less cold but duller and wetter version of 2021. The weather since that last weekend of April I have been happy with overall, particularly the latter parts of May - nonetheless not enough to quite bring the rest of spring up to what I'd regard as good.

I think that's maybe helped me out this year, rather the reverse compared to your situation. My flat has a west facing balcony which sees the sun right til it sets, so possibly much more sheltered and a bit of a trap. I've managed to get one of the best tans I've ever had this year, people keep asking if I've been abroad! But yes, step outside in exposed areas when it's overcast and you do notice a chill at times.

Thanks for that! Sounds like it would just be yesterday morning that was different for me then.

In all fairness, that is as close to accurate as they can get and they are very clear with that. I thought the general wording and explanations were pretty good. That's the thing about LRF it really is just identifying background signals and trends and there was never any claim there otherwise. It seems pretty consistent with the theme that high pressure will continue being centred to our north and low pressure from the south is a possibility bringing slightly wetter conditions there. Of course, this is just what seems more likely atm, not an official prediction.

In West London this morning and can confirm the sky is starting to brighten up with a few blue patches showing. Hopefully carries on and we get the sunny afternoon with 22C that is forecast. Would be a lovely way to end the Spring. On another note, how was the weather in London between Sunday evening and yesterday afternoon? I was in the Isle of Wight and had clear blue skies the whole time after leaving a beautiful warm and sunny Saturday and Sunday in London; and my perception of this May has been that it was actually really nice. But I wonder if had I not had a blue sky bank holiday Monday I might be feeling somewhat different?

I'll go with 37.1C at Heathrow Airport on the 10th of August.

The cloud bubbling up most afternoons only to clear late afternoon/early evening has definitely been a theme here in London. Some days better/worse than others and quite localised even within the city. Nevertheless, I am not complaining about the weather we've been having recently. Every day has been dry, pleasantly warm and more often than not featured at least some sun throughout the day. We haven't reached the magic 25C, but there's plenty of time for that. In the meantime, I'll continue to enjoy this goldilocks weather. Praying I'll be somewhat sheltered from the potential GFS northerly this weekend while I'm in the Isle of Wight if it does verify mind . . .

You're not too far from me so hopefully that means we'll see that too! Been grey but bright today so still feels kind of warm. Yesterday afternoon had the same feel.

I'll go for 38C first half of August isn't it crazy how once almost record-breaking temps are now a genuinely non-ridiculous prediction . . .

15.8C and 30mm for me please. Generally fine, dry and warm start, then mid-month heralds the start of plumageddon which sets the tone for the rest of the summer . . .

I understand that but I think the difference this time is that the pattern has slowly been changing for a while now and we're already in the higher pressure with the general theme this last week having been generally fine, dry and warmish with higher sunshine levels. That's why I would be more likely to have faith this time. How long it lasts is another question though

Starting to look like we may see 25C nudged some point before May is out now. Let's hope things keep verifying in the right direction.

Today is feeling really warm here now. The sun has stayed out longer than the last few days too, maybe we'll even make it the whole way through the day without overcast skies. Definitely feeling summer vibes now. Baseline summer conditions for me mean confidently walking out in just a t-shirt and that has been the case today and looks to stay that way

Sun has been pushing through over here since around 9:30. Plenty of blue sky now finally! Was worried it would be a repeat of yesterday we literally go 0 sunshine - quite a relief!

Much appreciated!

Can I ask how the summer index is calculated? I've always been curious - and is it specific to one area or can it be applied everywhere?

I have to say this is the most disappointed I've felt in a long time lucky my outdoor plans with friends are for tomorrow . . .

It can be quite easy to look beyond what is right in front of us when the forecast is so uncertain and constantly changing, especially when there is more of a need for good weather like after the March and April we've had. But this coming weekend looks genuinely summery for many. Let's enjoy that and see where we go from there. No doubt the models will be showing something different to what they are now, and there do seem to be improvements moving forward. Let's hope that's a trend.

Call me crazy but this May has been ok to me. Since the last weekend in April, I've seen just about enough sun, a couple of rainy days, some sunshine and showers days and Sunday was great. It's not felt cold at all either really. And this coming weekend is starting to look good too. Probably IMBYism and personal standards involved though. Of course, I'm searching for some heat and extended periods of warm and sunny weather, but I do believe that will come at some point before the month is out - it rarely doesn't in May, even 2021 had that lovely ending.

Personally the only summer I would class as poor since 2012 would be 2021, and even that fared slightly better overall than most of the 07-12 years (bar 09 and 10, which I actually thought were decent). Of course there were some dire periods i.e June 2016, late July/early August 2017 and the end of August 2015, but they're the only notably bad periods I can recall.

It feels like at the least the cold has gone here since Saturday. Actually SMELLS like Spring now which is very noticable. It's made me realise how stretched out nature has been here this Spring as usually it's the start of April I get those sensations. Nice warm freshness in the air, with a fair amount of sun too. Tomorrow looks lovely and Thursday too now. Friday onwards looks mixed for sure . . . but I see nothing too cold coming our way. Sunshine, showers and cloudier spells with temperatures in the high teens. Certainly could be worse but I wouldn't mind some proper warmth at this point. What does 20C feel like again?? I can't quite remember . . .

I hear that. Hopefully there will be some sun tomorrow.

Dare I say tomorrow looks like a nice day for London. Finally!