Does the Met Office predict a hot summer for the UK?

The Met Office states that winter weather has no bearing on summer climate, so a cold winter does not guarantee a hot summer.

Will South Korea experience hot summers after cold winters?

A 2021 study found a correlation specific to South Korea, but this link is not universally applicable.

What weather can the UK expect after mid-January 2026?

The UK can expect milder yet unsettled conditions with rain and wind after Sunday, January 11th, 2026, with potential for snow in some areas.

Home / Environment / Winter's Chill Won't Guarantee Summer Heat

Winter's Chill Won't Guarantee Summer Heat

7 Jan

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Summary

South Korean study found winter-summer link, but not globally applicable.
Met Office refutes claims that winter weather impacts summer climate.
UK to experience milder, unsettled weather after January 11th.

Winter's Chill Won't Guarantee Summer Heat

The widespread belief that a harsh winter promises a scorching summer is largely a myth, according to weather experts. While a 2021 study indicated a correlation between colder winters and hotter summers in South Korea, this connection does not hold true globally. The UK's Met Office has explicitly stated that winter and spring weather patterns are independent of summer's climate, meaning the current icy conditions do not guarantee record-breaking summer temperatures.

Looking ahead, the UK is expected to see a shift from bitter cold after Sunday, January 11th, 2026. Milder air will arrive, bringing rain that could turn to snow in northern and eastern areas. The subsequent week is predicted to be unsettled, with increased rainfall and wind. Eastern regions are forecast to remain cold until late January, with the end of the month bringing more variable weather including fog, rain, wind, and potential frost.