Overview
- The Met Office confirmed on Thursday that mean temperatures for March, April and May each ranked among the UK's top 10 warmest on record.
- Official data show total spring rainfall was about 14% below the long-term meteorological average for the UK.
- Met Office scientist Dr Emily Carlisle said the combination of high temperatures and variable precipitation illustrates changing weather patterns linked to climate change.
- May brought sharp swings from hailstorms and heavy downpours to a week-long heatwave, and those swings have left many people hesitant to stop wearing winter layers.
- Experts warn the pattern of warmer, drier springs plus episodic heavy rain can increase heat exposure and local flood risk, and regional coverage has used traditional weather proverbs and plant signs to help explain the strange season to readers.