Contrasting Weather Patterns: UK Expects Heavy Rain While Australia Faces Coldest Winter Start

The UK anticipates heavy rain and cooler temperatures in the northern regions, with a heatwave forecasted later in the month. In contrast, Australia experiences one of its coldest winter beginnings with Melbourne expecting sub-4°C temperatures and high-pressure systems bringing milder days despite cold nights.

UK Weather Update: Diverging Conditions Across the Country

The Met Office has issued a weather forecast indicating heavy rain for parts of the UK, especially in the northern regions, as July commences. Cooler temperatures are expected throughout the week in these areas. However, contrasting conditions are anticipated in the south, where Wimbledon fans can look forward to enjoying sunshine and temperatures reaching up to 21°C on Monday afternoon.

According to forecasts, the rain will be most intense in the north, while the south and east will experience largely dry conditions with early sunshine. A "band of showery rain" is predicted to spread southeastwards across the UK, turning brighter in the northwest later in the day.

Despite the rainy start, a heatwave is expected to hit the UK later in the month, with temperatures possibly soaring to around 30°C by July 14.

Cold Start to Winter in Australia

Meanwhile, Australia is experiencing one of its coldest starts to winter in decades, particularly in the eastern regions. Melbourne is forecast to encounter its coldest day of the year on Wednesday, waking up to a brisk 1°C. Sub-4°C overnight temperatures are expected to continue well into July.

However, these cold nights will be paired with milder daytime temperatures due to high-pressure systems dominating the south. For instance, Brisbane recently enjoyed its warmest June day since 2016, hitting 27°C.

Although rainfall is expected to ease in July, the Bureau of Meteorology reported that June's rainfall totals were 9.2% above average, with Sydney reaching its annual average rainfall in just six months. A potential La Niña formation later this year could make for a wetter than usual spring, adding to the already high rainfall totals.

High-pressure systems are likely to continue suppressing rainfall in southern regions such as Tasmania, Victoria, and South Australia, making for colder nights and milder days.