The World Meteorological Organization (WMO) requires the
calculation of averages for consecutive periods of 30 years,
with the latest covering the 1961–1990 period. However, many WMO
members, including the UK, update their averages at the
completion of each decade. Thirty years was chosen as a period
long enough to eliminate year-to-year variations. The latest set
of 30-year averages covers the period 1981-2010. These averages
help to describe the climate and are used as a base to which
current conditions can be compared. Use the links below to see a
selection of station, district and regional averages or UK and
regional maps for a wide range of weather elements.