A significant cooling trend is sweeping across the UK this week, bringing an abrupt end to a prolonged period of above-average autumn warmth. By Wednesday, temperatures are forecast to dip, with afternoon highs expected to range from 11C (52F) in northern Scotland to 17C (63F) in southern England.
This shift marks a dramatic contrast to the recent summer-like conditions that pushed temperatures as high as 28C over the past week. If no location in the UK reaches 20C throughout the day, it will be the first occurrence since June 11.
The weekend begins with mild conditions, though lingering mist and fog may affect parts of south Wales, the Midlands, East Anglia, and southern England on Sunday. While sunny spells are anticipated in these areas, cloud cover will increase in north Wales and northern England, with scattered rain likely. Northern Ireland will see cloudier skies and persistent light rain or drizzle, while Scotland faces the wettest conditions, including heavy rain and wind gusts exceeding 40mph in the far north-west.
Temperatures during the weekend may still reach 23C in the sunniest parts of southern England, remaining slightly above seasonal norms. However, a weather front moving southwards from Monday through Wednesday will bring rain, heaviest in the north and west. There is a possibility of thunder and lightning in southern and south-eastern England on Tuesday night and Wednesday.
As the rain clears, cooler air will move in, pushing midweek daytime temperatures to or below the seasonal average. Residents should also prepare for chilly nights, with frost possible in vulnerable areas.
Meteorological autumn, spanning September, October, and November, is now one-third complete. According to Met Office data, the season has been noticeably warmer than usual, with September ranking as the joint-fourth warmest on record for the UK. The month recorded a mean average temperature of 14.6C, which is 1.6C above the long-term average.
Looking ahead, longer-range forecasts suggest this warmer and wetter pattern will persist, with an increased chance of stormy weather later in the season. This trend is partly attributed to a developing strong El Niño in the Pacific. Overall, the UK is currently on track to become one of its warmest years on record, according to the Met Office.
It is odd to miss summer so quickly. Here I just bought sunscreen and now I need my winter coat.
El Niño is messing with everything. If storms get worse this winter, I am never complaining about rain again.
Why does every weather report mention fog and mist? Can we just have clear, crisp skies for once?
I missed the summer. That 28C week felt like a fever dream, not natural for British weather at all.
Finally! My garden is drowning in tropical weeds thanks to this unseasonal heat. Bring on the proper autumn chill.