2013 Weather Summary: Sunnier than average

The spring was the coldest for the UK since 1962 and the coldest in the Central England Temperature series since 1891. There were some unseasonably late snowfalls and very low temperatures from late March to early April.

The summer was warm, dry and sunny and stood out in marked contrast to the run of poor summers from 2007 to 2012 inclusive.

Weather patterns in the autumn were mainly quiet, with the exception of the St Jude Storm of 28 October which brought damaging winds to southern parts of the UK.

The year ended on a stormy note. A major winter storm on 5th December brought strong winds to Scotland and a storm surge to the east coast, and a succession of further storms on 18th/19th, 23rd/24th and 27th December brought further strong winds and heavy rain. The focus of concern from Christmas into the New Year period was once again the risk of flooding.Temperatures for the year were slightly below average in the south, but above average in the north.The period January to June and November were all colder than average (March was particularly cold). However, July, October and December were all notably warm months.Overall 2013 was slightly drier than average, with 94% for the UK overall and the driest year since 2010.Only May, October and December were wetter than average for the UK overall (with over twice the average for some areas in October and December).Many parts of the UK were rather sunnier than average for the year; July was a particularly sunny month.