Why a jet stream change could mean a dry, warm Olympics

Clouds over Coventry Arena, which will host Olympic football games. Credit: PA

The jet stream is something we've heard a lot about recently, especially during the prolonged grey weather in the build up to the London Olympics, which begin next Friday.

Situated way up in the atmosphere, the jet stream influences our weather here on the ground.

When it drops south of Britain and Ireland, we are exposed to cooler air from the north and unsettled weather from the Atlantic.

It has pretty much been responsible for the last six dodgy summers. And this year the weather has been even worse as it has decided to sit south of our shores all summer.

But things are looking up. By the weekend, high pressure will build from the south west, barging the jet stream north of us – essentially where it should be this time of year.

High pressure will again push in from the middle of next week, bringing a marked improvement across southern Britain.

As a result it will be drier and warmer. Temperatures will be a few degrees higher than what we’ve been used to.

It’s unlikely be amazing - I don’t think we’ll see searing sunshine or wall-to-wall blue skies - but it’s looking much better than it has been!