‘European monsoon’ set to hit UK as country faces coldest summer in 24 years

This summer is fast becoming the coldest in 24 years with Europe set to endure a ‘wash out’, Met Office forecasters say.

On top of an already disappointing summer, the UK is set to endure a ‘European Monsoon’ washout, as the US’s Hurricane Beryl blasts more wind and rain our way.

Atlantic winds are returning after slackening in spring, a turnaround known as the ‘European Monsoon.’

Wet bursts will hit Wimbledon in coming days and dampen Britain for weeks to come.

A Met Office forecaster said: ‘It will remain unsettled, and next week is likely to see a mostly showery westerly breeze, possibly a more settled spell in mid-week then a showery northwesterly flow resuming.

‘Winds are likely to be gusty near heavy showers and thunderstorms.’

With more chilly soakings on the way, the grim 12.8C average UK temperature so far this summer – 1C colder than normal – is poised to fall below the cool 2012 summer to become the coldest summer since 2000, Met Office figures show.

The Met Office has said: ‘The so-called “European Monsoon” is the ill-defined phenomenon of a return of westerly winds in July following a possible weakening in late spring.

‘It has been coined the “European Monsoon” or “Return of the Westerlies”.’

Met Office forecaster Aidan McGivern said: ‘The UK’s summer so far has been remarkably cold by recent standards.

‘Since the year 2000, only 2012 was this cold from June 1 to July 8.’

There have even been yellow Met Office weather warnings for rain and thunderstorms in place in recent days – just to rub it in.

Wimbledon has even seen lower than average attendance figures as queueing fans and Centre Court got drenched.

The blame for the UK’s current rubbish weather can be solely placed on the jet stream.

The stream of air high up in the atmosphere has flowed either across the UK or further south, allowing areas of low pressure to move in which bring wind and rain with them.

This means the UK and north west Europe have been stuck with cooler and more changeable weather conditions, while southern Europe has seen heatwaves and even wildfires on some of the Greek islands.

MORE : The Queen reveals the app she’s obsessed with

MORE : Photos show exactly how much sunscreen you should be using

MORE : Brighter UK weather for Wimbledon as Novak Djokovik plays in London

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.