FLAMING June.
In most years, that opening word is employed as a straightforward adjective. In 2015, if it is used at all, it is as an expletive.
This is likely to turn out to be the coldest summer month for more than 40 years. Scotland's average temperature up until this week was 9.3C, two degrees below normal. This followed in the sodden footsteps of May, which was blighted by 49 per cent more than rain than the average. The immediate prospects are not good, with unsettled conditions expected to prevail for the next 10 days or so.
We can blame the jet stream - ribbons of very strong wind somewhere between five and nine miles above the surface of the Earth, which move weather systems around the globe. At the moment, the jet stream is stubbornly refusing to meander, keeping low pressure directed our way.
It does not help to soothe the national mood to recall that last year, temperatures were above the long-term average. Indeed, on June 18, 2014, Cupar in Fife record a sizzling 27C. And yet, perhaps it should. It ought to remind us that the only sure thing about our weather is its unpredictability. To use the vernacular, taps-oan will inevitably switch to taps-aff.
In the meantime, enjoy the summer. Just be sure to wrap up well.
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