Aberdeen finally sees sunshine for first time since 21 January

Aberdeen has experienced its first glimpse of sunshine after enduring a prolonged stretch without. The city saw sunlight for the first time in 21 days, with the previous appearance of the sun recorded on 21 January. This marks the longest period without sunshine in Aberdeen since the Met Office began keeping records in 1957.

Late Thursday afternoon brought a welcome break in the persistent cloud cover for residents of the Granite City. Despite this bright spell, a yellow warning remains in effect for overnight snow and ice across Scotland, signaling that wintry conditions are not yet fully behind the region.

Kate Finlay, a 21-year-old University of Aberdeen student, expressed her delight at finally seeing the sun. She described the moment as surreal, saying, “The first thing I did when I came out of the flat there was message my friends, like ‘guys the sun’s out’.” She added, “It’s been pretty miserable – so so happy that it’s finally back,” reflecting the challenging conditions that had kept people indoors during the wet and gloomy period.

The start of 2026 brought heavy snowfall to northeast Scotland, followed by relentless rain throughout January. Aboyne in Aberdeenshire recorded over 277mm of rain last month alone, about four times the usual monthly average. This unusual weather disrupted local football fixtures, affected North Sea oil operations, impact on farmers, and delayed pothole repairs. Experts attribute these conditions to a “blocked weather pattern” that stalled the jet stream, reducing the chance for drier, settled weather. Scientists warn that with climate change, such episodes of intense rainfall may become more frequent. Data from the Met Office indicates that a 1.5°C temperature rise could increase winter rainfall by up to 16% in Aberdeen and 13% in Aberdeenshire compared to levels seen in previous decades.

BBC weather presenters have also commented on the situation. Helen Willetts noted, “It’s been so wet and grey for many parts of the UK. However, finally on Thursday, Aberdeen recorded 30 minutes of sunshine officially bringing its sunless spell to an end.” She went on to say that while some surrounding areas might have caught a brief view of blue sky, “Friday is the day when the cycle will be properly broken and the sunshine will return more widely.” Similarly, BBC Scotland’s Judith Ralston explained, “With a change in weather type, we finally lose the stuck pattern of cloud, rain, and bitingly cold winds. This finally breaks, allowing a northerly air mass to set in, bringing much drier, brighter conditions, sunshine on the way on Friday and Saturday and a few wintry showers on Friday.”

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