The UK can expect a return of sunshine and warmer conditions next week, according to the latest forecasts from BBC Weather. Darren Bett, the lead weather presenter, advised the public not to store away their summer clothing yet, as drier and milder weather is set to arrive across much of the country.
Temperatures in parts of England and Wales could climb to 25C, which is several degrees above the seasonal average. This shift is driven by an area of high pressure building near the UK, which will effectively block the Atlantic weather systems that have been responsible for recent wind and rain.
While north-west Scotland may still experience some rainfall, the rest of the UK should see lighter winds and higher daytime temperatures. The past few weeks have been characterized by volatile weather, leaving Wales and most of England under drought conditions.
The immediate forecast indicates that stronger south-westerly winds will push clouds and rain across the western areas on Friday. However, conditions will begin to settle over the weekend. Saturday is expected to bring sunshine and blustery showers to the northern half of the UK, with most precipitation falling in Scotland. The southern half will likely remain cloudy and muggy, with potential for light rain and drizzle.
By Sunday, rain is expected to clear to the south, leaving most areas dry with sunny spells, though winds in Scotland will remain strong. Temperatures in southern England will peak around 22C. As the working week begins, the high-pressure system should sustain drier weather and sunshine for much of the country, with only occasional showers possible.
While the coming week promises relief, it falls short of historical records. The UK’s September temperature record remains at 35.6C, set in Bawtry, South Yorkshire, in 1906.
Regarding longer-term influences, the upcoming quiet spell is not currently affected by the record-breaking Pacific Ocean warming associated with El Niño. However, the Met Office long-range forecast suggests that deeper low-pressure systems may impact the UK later in the autumn, potentially bringing stormy weather in November. This pattern aligns with typical El Niño events, though meteorologists caution that no two El Niño episodes are identical.
Does anyone else feel like this warmth is just a cruel tease before the real autumn storms hit?
High pressure blocking Atlantic systems is exactly what we needed after those drought warnings. Relief is welcome.
Scotland gets the short end of the stick again, I see. Still blustery while the rest of us bake.
25C in September? I still haven’t taken the patio furniture out. Weather’s getting weirder every year.
Finally! My garden has been begging for some proper sun. Can’t wait to get outside this weekend.