Why the UK Weather Has Been So Wet This Year (and Where to Find the Best Weather Info

If you’ve been out on the hills, dales or downs this year and wondered whether you brought the wrong map — think again. The UK has been unseasonably wet, with more persistent rainfall and saturated ground than many of us can remember.

For mountaineers, hikers and outdoor lovers, this isn’t just trivia — it’s planning intelligence.

In this post we’ll unpack why the UK’s weather has been wetter than usual in 2026 and share reliable sources of weather information to help you plan your next adventure with confidence.

So… Why Has It Been So Wet?

The UK’s climate is famously changeable — but this year has stood out. The main factors behind the wet weather can be summarised as:

1. Atlantic Weather Systems Dominating

The UK sits in the path of low-pressure systems rolling in off the Atlantic. When those systems become more frequent or stronger than average, we see:

• Persistent rain

• Stormy conditions

• Cloudier, cooler spells

This year, the jet stream — a fast river of air high in the atmosphere — has been positioned in a way that steers more depressions straight toward the British Isles. That means more rain-bearing weather fronts passing over the country.

2. Warmer Oceans Fueling Moisture

A warmer Atlantic holds more moisture. When these humid air masses hit cooler landmasses like the UK, the moisture condenses and falls as rain. Essentially:

More moisture in the air = more potential for rain

Climbing routes, mountain passes and high ridges can turn from firm ground to boggy tests very quickly when sustained wet spells take hold.

3. Seasonal Shifts and Climate Trends

Longer-term climate patterns, including broader shifts in atmospheric circulation and sea temperatures, are influencing typical seasonal behaviour. What used to be a few prolonged wet periods has now stretched into recurrent wet weeks — and sometimes months.

This isn’t just a one-off anomaly — it’s consistent with broader patterns of climate variability.

Rain at sea level can present very differently with altitude gain

What This Means for Mountaineers & Outdoor Adventurers

• Ground conditions: Trails are muddy, rivers fuller, and bogs deeper — increasing fatigue and risk.

• Visibility and safety: Frequent rain and low cloud can reduce visibility on ridges or in featureless terrain.

• Route planning: Traditional summer windows (dry spells) are harder to predict and shorter in duration.

The good news? With the right tools and forecasts, you can still plan safe, enjoyable trips. Knowledge is power — and in mountaineering that means knowing what the weather is actually going to do.

Best Sources of Weather Information for UK Outdoor Planning

Here are some of the most reliable meteorological sources — perfect for mountaineers, hillwalkers and outdoor enthusiasts:

Met Office

The UK’s national weather service. Offers:

• Detailed forecasts (national and regional)

• Mountain site forecasts

• Severe weather warnings

• Radar and satellite imagery

Great for planning bigger trips and tracking warnings over several days.

Why it’s useful: Official, science-based forecasts with detailed breakdowns.

Mountain-Specific Forecasts

Depending on where you’re heading, several specialist providers tailor forecasts to mountainous terrain, including:

• MWIS 

• YPN Forecasts (England & Wales mountains)

• Localised wind, precipitation & snow forecasts

Why it’s useful: Mountain weather behaves differently from lowlands — these give you targeted info.

Weather Apps (with Alerts)

Apps that draw from multiple models can be very handy on the go:

• Radar & rain-movement visuals

• Hourly forecasts

• Lightning and storm alerts

Look for one that lets you customise alert thresholds — e.g., rainfall intensity or wind speed.

Wind & Precipitation Model Sites

For those who like to dig deeper, sites that visualise ECMWF or UK-specific models provide:

• Hourly rain forecasts

• Wind strength & direction

• Pressure changes

These are less “official” forecasts and more tools to help you interpret the bigger picture.

Top Tip for Outdoor Folks

Don’t rely on a single source — especially if you're heading into remote terrain. Cross-reference:

Met Office + Mountain Forecast + Radar/Model Visuals + Local Observations

That way you’re not just reacting, you’re planning with confidence.

Final Thoughts

Wet weather doesn’t have to mean cancelled plans — it simply means better preparation. The UK’s dynamic climate will always throw surprises at us, but with the right weather knowledge and tools, you can make informed choices about where and when you go.

Stay curious. Stay prepared. And most of all — keep climbing.