The Met Office has issued its Halloween weather forecast, following an unsettled period in which Storms Austen and Boelo battered the UK. Last weekend, severe gales and heavy rain swept across large parts of the country, prompting an amber weather warning for wind alongside several yellow warnings.
Thousands of homes were left without power as the storms brought gusts of up to 80mph, causing widespread disruption to transport networks and infrastructure. Now the Met Office has released its latest forecast for Saturday, revealing whether further strong gales and heavy rain are expected.
Halloween Conditions and Regional Rain
A spokesperson told The Express: "For Halloween, conditions are expected to be largely dry and settled for many, although some rain is possible across northern and western parts of the UK. Variable cloud and the possibility of night-time fog could bring a suitably spooky feel in places."
"There is some rain in the forecast for northern and western parts of the UK during Friday and Saturday. For many other areas, Halloween is looking largely dry and settled, with variable cloud and the possibility of some night-time fog. Daytime temperatures are expected to be a little above average for the time of year, perhaps reaching the mid-teens in places, before returning closer to average as we head into early November."
Weekend Outlook and Weather Maps
Met Office weather maps show a band of rain sweeping across parts of Scotland on Saturday, easing by the evening as it slowly spreads southwards into England. In a separate forecast, the Met Office said: "High pressure will continue to play a significant role over the weekend, but a weather front will make some progress south-eastwards across the UK."
"On Saturday, the band of cloud and rain will edge towards northern England and northwest Wales. Ahead of it, England and Wales will be mostly dry, with variable cloud and some brighter spells once early mist and fog clear. The front will continue south and southeast on Sunday, but its rain is expected to become increasingly light and patchy. Behind it, mainly dry conditions with clear or sunny spells will return."
Historical Halloween Rainfall Records
Wet weather has frequently played a part in the UK's late-October conditions, and damp, unsettled weather is a common feature of the season. Historical records from the Met Office show some exceptionally heavy downpours on October 31, with the highest rainfall total on record being 158.9mm at Tollymore Park in County Down in 1968.
Elsewhere, England recorded 77.8mm at Footholme, Lancashire, in 2021, while Scotland saw 82.6mm at Tyndrum in 1999 and Wales registered 73.7mm at Beacons Reservoir in 1965. These figures highlight the potential for significant rainfall across the UK during Halloween, though wet conditions are expected to ease and clear by the end of the day according to weather maps.
