The Met Office has shared its verdict on the hot and sunny spells expected this week, with temperatures continuing to be 'warmer than average' as October begins. Despite autumn being well underway, conditions have remained mild across the UK.
This week, temperatures will stay around 20C, which is particularly warm for the time of year. The autumnal equinox took place on September 22 or 23, marking the official meteorological start of autumn, and the Met Office has now outlined what to expect next month in its long-term outlook.
Forecast for today and Tuesday
In its forecast for today (September 28), the Met Office said: "A dry and fine day ahead with lengthy sunny periods. Sunshine may turn hazy at times throughout the day. Feeling pleasantly warm in the sunshine and light winds. Maximum temperature 19 °C."
It added: "Dry with clear skies for most of the night, however cloud is expected to increase from the south towards dawn. Southeasterly winds increasing overnight. Minimum temperature 5 °C."
Tuesday will be more unsettled, with rain possible across the country. The forecast said: "A blustery day ahead with strongest gusts around coasts. Cloudy initially with an odd spot of rain possible, although brighter spells possible later. Maximum temperature 20 °C."
Outlook for the rest of the week and October
Looking ahead to the end of the working week, the forecast added: "A wet and windy start to Wednesday, but this clearing to sunshine and showers. Turning more settled from Thursday with more dry and bright weather. Winds also easing."
Thursday marks the start of October, which for many signifies cold, dark mornings to coincide with spooky season. However, the Met Office said temperatures will be "warmer than average". Conditions will be more changeable, although it is looking to be drier than recent weeks.
In its outlook for the start of October, the Met Office said: "Initially, some outbreaks of rain may affect the UK, especially the north and west. These changeable conditions will probably give way to higher pressure and a more settled period of weather through the early part of the period."
It continued: "The speed at which high pressure builds, and whether it will be focussed across the north or south, remains finely balanced. This will lead to a drier than average period overall, with lighter winds than average."
"Some interludes of more unsettled weather and stronger winds are likely at times, but there are mixed signals as to where these are more probable. Temperatures are likely to remain warmer than average."
Winter outlook
Looking ahead towards the end of October, the Met Office added: "Temperatures are likely be above average for the period as a whole."
The mild weather follows a summer of intense heat across the UK. The saying goes that a hot summer brings about a cold winter, but the Met Office recently explained this is not always the case. The forecaster said it is a myth to look for patterns in the weather forecast, and it is hard to determine what the winter will look like this far in advance.
It said: "At this stage, it is simply too early to determine exactly what winter 2026-27 will bring. Forecast confidence naturally decreases the further ahead we look, and the key drivers of winter weather are still evolving."
