Monday 6th April
Although we enjoyed several hours of sunshine on Sunday the brisk westerly air stream moderated the temperature that resulted in a maximum of just 13.2C being 1.1C below average, but it was dry. The clear skies overnight and calm conditions resulted in the thermometer dropping below freezing just after 03.00 early Monday reaching a minimum 1.3C at 06.16 early Monday, which was a significant 5.2C below average, producing a moderate air frost.
Monday arrived with thin, variable cloud that meant early sunshine was weak that meant it took until 07.45 before the thermometer returned above freezing with a temperature of 0.6C by 08.00.
The Azores high has expanded and now extends towards Scandinavia, as a result, the air stream now comes from the southeast, a warmer and drier air that will see temperatures rise again with much sunshine, being very warm on Tuesday and Wednesday before it relinquishes control on Thursday allowing a cold front to cross the country bringing a cooler air stream and cloud.
Still no resolution of the ‘Live Feed’ problem. David Instruments say it is a problem with the recent Apple App upgrade. Frustrating and annoying to loose live data and no indication when normal service will resume.
April showers: Is there any truth to the saying?
Author: Met Office
3 April 2026
“April showers” is one of the most familiar weather sayings in the UK and, unlike some weather folklore, this phrase has a genuine basis in meteorology.
April is a month when showers are generally more likely and understanding why means looking at both large-scale weather patterns and local atmospheric processes.
A month caught between seasons
April sits firmly in the transition from winter to summer. By this point in the year, days are noticeably longer and the sun is higher in the sky, allowing surfaces to warm more readily during daylight hours. However, cold air can still spill southwards from higher latitudes, while milder air increasingly tries to move in from the south.
This contrast between different air masses makes spring one of the most changeable times of year. Rather than long spells of settled weather, April often delivers a mix of sunshine, showers, brisk winds and, on occasion, late-season cold snaps.
The role of the jet stream
One of the key drivers behind April’s showery reputation is the position of the jet stream.
During early spring, the jet stream often shifts northwards compared to its average winter position. At times, it can sit close to or directly over the UK.
When this happens, the UK lies in a favoured zone for Atlantic low-pressure systems and weather fronts. These systems can bring bands of rain, blustery conditions and showers. These systems can bring bands of rain, blustery conditions and showers. While these lows may not be particularly deep or intense, there frequent passage helps to maintain unsettled conditions.