Sheffield’s students embraced the sunny weather in Weston Park after being faced with consecutive days of rain.  

Weston Park, a historic area located west of Sheffield’s city centre, filled up with students on Wednesday as the sun beamed down, encouraging people to leave the libraries and take a break outdoors. 

Sheffield University student Dylan Knights, said: “Our socialising is usually in the Information Commons, but we have made an effort to be in a green space given the weather.”

Dylan added that he and his friends were all very busy with assignments and deadlines, so unfortunately didn’t have any more sunny plans for the rest of the afternoon.

2026 has been rain-filled for Sheffield, with 48 rainy days out of 59 in January and February, more than any other year since at least 2018.  

Rain data courtesy of sheffieldwx – a weather station in east Sheffield.

Yesterday was a turning point in the wet weather, with temperatures reaching 12 degrees and clear skies for the majority of the day. 

Studies have shown that exposure to sunlight can boost mood and  reduce stress, with sunlight being known to trigger serotonin release, as well as individuals with higher daylight exposure experiencing better mood regulation and lower anxiety levels.  

One 2022 study from Harvard Medical School found that patients with mood disorders experienced measurable improvements after just 30 minutes of early-morning light over a two-week period.

All these factors are essentials for students in order to remain happy and healthy during their studies. 

Another Sheffield University student, Catherine Knell, who was sitting reading her book in the park, said: “I’ll come out of a lecture and I’ll feel like I really need to do something to appreciate this weather. 

“I have a group meeting this afternoon, so this is my enjoyment of the weather.”  

People who were interviewed also said they feel like their mood has improved due to the sunshine. 

Weston Park was originally designed by Robert Marnock, one of the leading garden designers of the 19th century, and opened in 1857. It underwent a significant restoration project in 2006 and reopened in 2008. 

It’s home to several historical monuments and memorials, an ornate bandstand and a scenic lake with wooden bridges, that sits under the imposing presence of the iconic Arts Tower.