Met Office Confirms Winter 2025–26 Was Wetter and Milder Than Average
New analysis from the Met Office shows that the UK’s winter of 2025–26 was notably wet, mild, and shaped by a strong and persistent jet stream, continuing a longer‑term trend towards wetter winters.
Rainfall 13% Above Average – With Stark Regional Variation
Provisional Met Office statistics indicate that UK rainfall (December–February) was 13% above the long‑term seasonal average.
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England recorded 42% above average rainfall, with repeated and prolonged rain events affecting southern and central regions.
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Scotland saw 14% below average rainfall overall, although eastern areas were wetter than normal and the north and west were significantly drier.
The Met Office noted a pronounced north–south divide in England, influenced by the positioning of Atlantic weather systems throughout the winter.
Exceptionally Mild Conditions
Winter 2025–26 was also milder than usual. February was particularly warm, marking:
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the ninth warmest February on record for the UK
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the fourth warmest February for England
These mild conditions coincided with widespread cloud cover and below‑average sunshine, resulting in a generally dull and unsettled season.
Jet Stream Drove Repeated Storm Systems
A strong jet stream, positioned further south than typical, acted as a conveyor belt for Atlantic low‑pressure systems. This brought successive storms with limited periods of settled weather, contributing to the notably wet conditions across southern England.
Climate Change Context
The Met Office emphasises that while no single season can be attributed solely to climate change, a warming atmosphere can hold around 7% more moisture per 1°C. This increases the likelihood of:
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heavier rainfall events
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persistent wet spells
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repeated storm systems
This trend suggests that winters characterised by repeated heavy rainfall are becoming less unusual.
