April showers (weather phenomenon)

For other uses, see April showers.

An approaching April shower of snow on Dartmoor, Devon, England.
(Photograph actually taken on 31 March)

April showers is a term that denotes spring rains in some parts of the northern hemisphere, in particular the UK, during the month of April^{[citation needed]}. One of the major causes of the often heavy downpours is the position of the jet stream . In early spring, the jet stream starts to move northwards, allowing large depressions to bring strong winds and rain in from the Atlantic. In one day the weather can change from springtime sunshine to winter sleet and snow. The track of these depressions can often be across Ireland and Scotland bringing bands of rain followed by heavy showers (often of hail or snow) and strong blustery winds.

The expression "April showers bring May flowers" is a common expression in English speaking countries, and the source of poetry and songs.