Despite the anticipation of summer, June has ushered in wet and gray weather, hardly reminiscent of the typical warmth associated with the season. This deviation begs the question: what's causing this unseasonal chill, and when can we expect a return to warmer temperatures?

Just last month, the UK experienced its hottest May on record, with overnight temperatures and Scottish warmth pushing the mercury roughly a degree above average. However, the beginning of June has seen a stark drop in temperatures. "It seems like we're one to three degrees below normal for this time of year," observed David Schultz, a Synoptic Meteorology professor at The University of Manchester, speaking to Sky News.

On Sunday, temperatures across the UK ranged from 10°C to 17°C, a departure from the usual 13°C-16°C in the north and 17°C-19°C in the south for this time of year. Meteorologist Marco Petagna from the Met Office noted that while this weekend's temperatures were "average or just below," the combination of showers and breeze contributed to a perception of even colder weather.

This cooling trend can be attributed to a shift in the jet stream, a band of strong winds several miles above Earth's surface that influences surface weather patterns. Currently, the jet stream is positioned further south than usual, flowing from the northwest. "Normally in the UK, we get the jet stream from the southwest," explained Prof. Schultz. "That brings moist, temperate air from the ocean over the UK. With a flow out of the northwest, we expect drier conditions, which is why we've seen sun, but it also favors afternoon showers.

While these frequent showers may prove slightly inconvenient for outdoor plans, meteorologists like Christopher England from Sky News emphasize that such conditions are not entirely unexpected for June. "Temperatures haven't been that much below average, but frequent stiff winds have made it feel colder," England noted. "People always seem to think summer should be warmer than it actually is.

Prof. Schultz further contextualizes the situation by highlighting the impact of climate change on our perception of temperature. "Because climate change has pushed up average temperatures, we notice more when our weather gets colder," he explained. "We might be complaining about a few degrees cooler than normal, but historically, this spell might actually be closer to normal.

As we navigate through this cooler spell, the question on everyone's mind remains: when will the warmth return?

If you're hoping for a sudden surge of summer heat this June, you might need to exercise patience. According to Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon, this week doesn't promise a change in the current unsettled weather pattern. "Temperatures will remain below average over the next few days," Dixon cautioned, attributing this to a northerly wind pulling Arctic air across the UK.

As for the immediate forecast, Dixon outlined a mix of dry spells and rain. Tuesday and Wednesday are expected to bring generally dry conditions to the west, while eastern regions may experience some precipitation. However, Thursday is forecasted to see more persistent rain across much of the country, marking the onset of a "more unsettled weather regime" heading into the weekend. Friday, particularly in the southeast of England, could witness thundery showers.

Rainfall estimates range between 20 to 40mm, with higher levels expected in elevated areas of Wales and Northern Ireland. Temperature-wise, most of the UK will hover in the mid-teens throughout the week, although northern Scotland may see overnight lows dipping into the low single figures. The southeast, notably, might reach 19°C on Thursday and Friday, but Dixon cautioned against expecting a notably warm feel, given the recent rainy conditions.

While hopes for a scorching June may be temporarily deferred, the country can anticipate a mix of sunshine and showers in the days ahead.

In conclusion, while hopes for a sudden heatwave in June may be on hold, the upcoming days offer a blend of dry spells and rainy interludes across the UK. Met Office spokesperson Stephen Dixon's forecast suggests that temperatures will remain below average for the foreseeable future, with northerly winds ushering in cooler air from the Arctic. Despite the promise of some sunshine in the west on Tuesday and Wednesday, Thursday is expected to bring widespread rain, signaling a shift to a more unsettled weather pattern leading into the weekend. Although the southeast may see slightly higher temperatures, the persistent rain is likely to temper any sense of warmth. As we navigate through this week's weather fluctuations, it's wise to keep umbrellas handy and perhaps postpone those outdoor picnics until brighter skies prevail.