Cold snaps are part of spring - even in a warming world

It’s spring, but why do we get cold snaps?

While global temperatures are rising, cold weather is still a normal part of our seasons and weather systems.

Weather is short term and changeable, so a short period of cold weather does not disprove climate change. In a similar way, climate change does not put an end to all cold weather.

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Spring in the UK often brings fluctuating temperatures, as the season bridges the colder winter months and the approach of summer.

The wind direction can also make a big difference. When winds arrive from the south, they carry warmer air northward from the Mediterranean - giving UK temperatures a boost. But if winds come from the north, they tend to funnel colder air down from the Arctic, bringing a real chill to the air at this time of year.

For British Science Week 2026, we answered children’s questions about the atmosphere, weather, climate, and air. One of those questions was: ‘Why is England so cold?’, which feels relevant to share here. Earth’s rotation, England’s position on the globe, everyday weather events - there’s a lot to consider!

What makes England cold?