A miserable start to Sunderland's summer... but sunshine is on the way

The strong winds have whipped up waves along our coast

It's felt more like October than June in Sunderland, but things are set to improve.

These photos show how the half-term holidays haven't been blessed with beach weather.

Seaburn and Roker beaches have been quiet as gusts have been sweeping in rain off the North Sea and temperatures have struggled to stay in double figures during the day.

It's been a case of an East-West divide as the Lake District, Ireland and the South West have enjoyed summery conditions with thermometers hitting 20C.

Things are set to improve, however, as temperatures creep up to the high teens and sunny spells are expected across the weekend.

But we'll have to deal with more showers in the meantime.

Not many sandcastles have been built on Roker beach due to the winter-like weather

The Met Office forecast for Sunderland states:

Today:

A cloudy start to the day with some patchy drizzle, especially on the hills. It will slowly brighten up from the west with some sunny spells developing, although coastal areas may stay rather cool and cloudy. Maximum Temperature 13 °C.

Tonight:

Our beaches have been quiet this half-term

Cloud will thicken more generally from the east overnight, bringing some patchy fog across the Cheviots and Pennines, but most parts should stay dry. Minimum Temperature 6 °C.

Friday:

Mostly cloudy on Friday with some showery rain spreading from the east during the morning, and becoming misty in coastal areas by evening. Maximum Temperature 15 °C.

Outlook for Saturday to Monday:

Any showers soon clearing to bright or sunny spells on Saturday. Cloudy and misty at times near the coast on Sunday and Monday, but mainly dry and bright elsewhere.