UK Weather: Sunnier Days Ahead Despite Flooding Chaos

Weeks of heavy rain and storms have battered the UK at the start of 2026, causing widespread flooding, travel disruption, and school closures. Sheffield, for example, has recorded no sunshine in February. Despite these current dismal conditions, scientific research indicates an overall improvement in Britain's weather, with a 4% increase in sunniness since 1994.

This trend is largely due to significant government-led efforts across Europe over the past three decades to reduce air pollution. Measures such as fitting power stations with devices to capture sulphur dioxide and developing cleaner car engines have led to cleaner air. Consequently, pollutant particles have decreased, allowing more sunlight to reach the ground.

Researchers have observed this pattern mirrored across Europe, with the most dramatic increases in sunshine occurring in heavily industrialized areas. The study suggests this is a positive development for the solar energy industry. Furthermore, improvements in air quality over the last 50 years are estimated to have saved approximately 80,000 lives per year in Europe by reducing respiratory illnesses.