Scotland's summer kick-off has hit a snag, with temperatures plummeting and rain pouring down across many areas. A stubborn low-pressure system has been dominating the UK weather, drawing in cooler air and leaving Scots to shiver in what should be the warmest months of the year.
Met Office data shows that Scotland's daytime highs have consistently fallen short of expectations, with many places stuck in the low to mid-teens Celsius. Rainfall has added to the gloom, spoiling plans for outdoor activities and casting a damp cloud over what should be the start of summer's warmth.
But relief is on the horizon as forecasters predict a welcome shift towards sunnier skies and warmer temperatures from mid-June onwards. As the current low-pressure system weakens, higher pressure will build in, ushering in drier air and more sunshine for Scotland.
By the third week of June, temperatures are expected to soar, potentially reaching the high teens or even early twenties Celsius in some parts of Scotland. This would bring the weather much closer to – if not above – the seasonal average, finally giving Scots a taste of summer.
The expected turnaround will be welcome across the wider UK, where England has seen its fair share of mixed weather too. While Wales and Northern Ireland have also experienced periods of unsettled conditions, Scotland's persistent coolness stands out as particularly notable. As atmospheric pressure systems shift, all regions should see an improvement – although British summers always bring a chance of localised showers.