Met Office: Hot weather return after wet spell, high pressure due

Heavy rain has swept across the UK today, but temperatures continue to remain warm for this time of year. As we prepare to say goodbye to September and welcome in a new month of October tomorrow, the Met Office has shared when we could expect to see the return of hot and dry conditions.

High pressure to bring warm and brighter days

Autumn can often bring about some unsettled weather conditions, featuring a combination of heavy showers, blustery winds and sunny spells. In October, the UK forecaster said high pressure will dominate, which means warm and brighter days could be on the horizon.

In its outlook for Wednesday (September 30) in the North West, the Met Office said: "A wet start this morning, with rain turning heavy at times and accompanied by brisk winds. Rain and winds quickly easing with sunny skies for many by mid-morning. A few showers then developing during the afternoon. Warm in the sunshine. Maximum temperature 21 °C."

Weekend outlook and drier conditions ahead

Looking ahead to Thursday (October 1), the forecast added: "A largely dry and bright day for many with sunny spells. A few showers will develop, especially near Irish Sea coasts. Temperatures nearer average. Maximum temperature 19 °C."

Rain returns on Friday, potentially heavy for a time. A risk of some further rain on Saturday before turning drier and brighter on Sunday. Temperatures around average for early October.

Drier weather conditions will return next week as we make our way further into October. In its long range forecast, the Met Office suggests "plenty of dry weather" is on its way, with temperatures "near or slightly above normal" for this time of year.

Long-range forecast for October

The dry conditions follow a period of wet weather this week across the UK. It marks a sharp change following the blistering heat we experienced over the summer months. Over the last few weeks, many of us have been left wondering whether to take a rain coat or pair of sunglasses when we head out for the day. Warm weather will still dominate as we head into a new month.

Sharing what we can expect from October, the Met Office said: "High pressure will likely be in place over southern UK through the first few days of this period. This means plenty of dry weather to be had here, albeit with some chilly nights and overnight and morning fog in places."

"In the north, a rather more changeable pattern will continue, with occasional rain and windy conditions at times. Broadly changeable weather patterns look to continue through to mid-month, with ridges of high pressure extending from the southwest, interspersed by Atlantic frontal systems."

"These could be associated with quite deep and fast-moving depressions, bringing the potential for windy weather more widely, but perhaps more likely in the north and east. Temperatures probably near or slightly above normal overall, but with some day to day oscillations."