People spend over two days a year talking about the weather amid potential record-breaking summer warmth

• New research from the Met Office reveals people in the UK are talking about the weather for over two days a year on average, as UK stays on track for one of its warmest summers on record
• Research finds that people in the UK spend on average 56.6 hours every year talking about the weather, or two days and 9 hours
• 60% say the weather is their go-to small talk topic, while more education on weather patterns and how they affect broader society would be welcome for a fifth of respondents

The study was conducted during one of the warmest summers on record so far, including four widespread heatwaves across the UK.

With two weeks still to go, the UK will have one of its warmest summers on record, with both maximum and minimum temperatures significantly above average in 2025, according to Met Office data. The UK’s mean temperature from 1 June to 17 August currently stands at 16.2°C, which is 1.5°C above the long-term meteorological average for the season.   

Meanwhile, research backs up the stereotype that people in the UK are obsessed with the weather, with 60% of people reporting that it is their go-to small talk topic, beating news and current affairs (34%), family (26%) and even holidays (24%).

A nation of small-talkers

Despite a reputation for reservedness, 30% of people make small talk daily, and almost all of us – 98% – engage in it at least once a week. More than half (51%) feel that small talk is essential in certain social situations, from casual chats at the shops to gathering around the coffee machine at work.

The weather plays a crucial role in breaking the ice: 43% often use it to start conversations, and over a quarter (28%) talk about it at least once a day.

22% genuinely enjoy weather conversations, but for the majority (70%), talking about the weather is an easy way to connect with others, notably family (60%), friends (44%) and colleagues (39%).

An appetite for weather education

The research also highlights that our interest for the weather goes beyond just a conversation starter. With 79% of those surveyed checking the forecast daily, the findings showcase a genuine interest in the impact of weather forecasting on UK society, especially as climate events continue to ramp up and impact our daily lives.

Almost a quarter (23%) of people reported a genuine interest in weather patterns, while a fifth (20%) of respondents reported wanting to learn more about weather patterns. A further 21% said focusing more on the broader societal impacts of the weather, beyond day-to-day clothing choices, would make talking about the weather more enjoyable.

When asked about these broader impacts, people recognised that agriculture was the most likely industry to be impacted by the weather (91%), followed by construction (87%).

Conversely, they identified the defence sector as being one of the least likely to be impacted (43%), despite weather forecasting being critical to the success of UK military operations worldwide and a significant part of the Met Office’s work.

Met Office Meteorologist and Senior Presenter, Alex Deakin, said: “Weather has always helped bring people together and this research underlines how talking about the weather is more than a curiosity, but a necessity for many people.

“While a seemingly simple topic that binds us all together, the research shows how people are more interested in the inner workings of the weather than you might assume. The volume of people showing an interest in complex weather patterns and how they can influence critical industry and sectors highlights how the weather shapes our lives, livelihoods and even our national identity. We at the Met Office know the power of weather intelligence beyond everyday conversation and how innovative weather forecasts play a key role in delivering prosperity and economic growth to the UK.”

The research comes as the Met Office launches its Smart Talk campaign, aiming to deepen understanding of the power of weather and climate intelligence, not only for everyday conversation but also for critical national infrastructure, economic growth and value for government.

As part of the campaign, the Met Office is partnering with Jessica Gagen, Aerospace Engineer and STEM Content Creator, to underline the pivotal role that weather forecasting plays across our most innovative industries and technologies. Commenting on the research, Gagen said: “With a background in aerospace engineering, I am naturally fascinated by how forecasted weather shapes airway routing and aircraft operations.

“Beyond the more obvious weather conditions experienced onboard, people may not fully appreciate the incredible technology we use to predict the weather and ensure every flight is as safe, energy efficient and comfortable as possible. It is great to see the research highlighting that many people are eager to learn more about the power of weather intelligence.”