Will there be any summer?

I am still wearing my furry slippers and winter woollies. We had those three fine days the other weekend but typically this summer the days have settled into pale sunshine, strong wind and Baltic evenings. I am scunnered. I have planted out my seedlings and am hoping for the best. However, the herbs are doing well and the little pear tree is covered in fruit so the weather must be suiting some things.

Your temps are similar to ours- but it is midwinter here. Lots of sunshine but not enough rain overall. Never thought I would feel happy when it rains but I do nowadays.

I've been thinking for some time that we're going to have to adjust our expectations of what makes a perfect summer. With our climate undoubtedly changing, 'summer' clothes are going to have to be warmer, and lovely lightweight outfits worn on only a few days a year.
Our pathetic attempts at recycling and saving the planet are too late to make a real difference, especially when countries like China keep belching out toxic smoke ad lib. although we must continue to do our bit.
At lease our gardens are making the most of it and looking really lush.
So we adapt and survive.
(sits back and waits for a ticking off for being defeatist)

It’s only 11 in Durham too.
Heating’s on, as I’m expecting visitors.

9 degrees on my car dashboard, I remember the same temperature in January .

We are in the SE and still waiting for spring , never mind summer. I have had my heating on, even lit the burner, on particularly chilly days. My electric blanket is on every night. Everything looks grey wet and windy. Typical winter weather,
We are off to the West Country this week, to a cabin by the sea. Weather forecast not improving. Sadly.

Casdon

It’s interesting that you say that about your garden karmalady, because mine is not making the same progress. The slugs are rampant, and everything is delayed. My seedlings are making very slow progress, I don’t think they like the cold nights. My roses and peonies have been battered to hell by the rain and wind. I’m totally fed up with it - flaming June my a..

Do try a beer trap for the slugs! My contrived one (I posted in the gardening forum) has proved very successful.

11.6 at the mo, outside the kitchen window.

I haven’t resorted (yet) to putting the heating on, but I’m still wearing my sheepskin house boots, and today, a new, pure wool jumper I had fondly imagined keeping for autumn!

It’s interesting that you say that about your garden karmalady, because mine is not making the same progress. The slugs are rampant, and everything is delayed. My seedlings are making very slow progress, I don’t think they like the cold nights. My roses and peonies have been battered to hell by the rain and wind. I’m totally fed up with it - flaming June my a..

King George 11 famously said the British summer is three fine days and a thunderstorm. This year I think that might be about right!
Currently it's 7° cloudy and dull where I live.
This is not summery weather.

I'm sitting here at my computer having just got out of bed (I worked very late last night) and I'm seriously contemplating putting the heat on before I get in the shower. I've had the heat on almost every evening this year except for a few nice days in May but have so far resisted the mornings. I think today might be the breaking point.

It’s not the temperatures that are irritating me; it’s the wind! It never seems to have stopped blowing hard all year, and recently the wind has been coming from the north. I’ve given up looking at the forecast - only one lot of weather for the country so why does every forecast have to be different?

Here in the NE our summer is usually one or two milder days with longer hours of daylight. No summer clothes been worn yet and sandals are still in storage.

People are complaining about it being too cold.

In a few weeks when the sun finally comes out they will be complaining it is too hot!

Somethings never change.

After a pleasant weekend we are back to grey skies threatening showers and a brisk, chilly wind. There doesn't appear to be seasons much anymore. It all blends into one where we have to keep umbrellas, sunscreen, cardigans, fans and weather appropriate footwear all to hand.

I always get that day thing confused!

I think it will be the longest day.
But know what you mean.
I need new clothes that look summery but are warm.

july is usually wet and cool, summer perhaps in august/september

I have to say that my productive garden is looking incredibly healthy and this is the year when my 3 year old apple trees must have put amazing strong roots down

I am glad to have a west/east insulated new build with good windows. The sun is streaming in and warming my rooms

Looking ahead, my stocks of fuel for the next two winters are safely tucked away