Weather · 15 October 2025
Why Britain’s weather always feels so grey — and what causes it
Britain’s cloudy skies are shaped by its position between the Atlantic Ocean and the European mainland. Warm, moist air from the Gulf Stream constantly collides with cold northern winds, forming thick clouds and drizzle. Because the UK sits in a low-pressure zone, sunshine struggles to last for long. While it can feel gloomy, this mild, damp climate keeps Britain’s landscape green year-round and prevents the extreme heat or cold seen elsewhere.
Reported by BBC Weather / Met Office · How we write briefs