The Met Office has said the "warmer than average" weather could continue throughout October in its latest UK forecast.
Autumn is now well underway, with the change in seasons usually marked by a considerable drop in temperatures, along with less sunshine. And while there have been some unsettled conditions, there has also been plenty of mild weather in recent weeks. In its latest predictions, the Met Office has explained that this pattern may be here to stay for the rest of September and through next month.
Today and the days ahead
Today (Monday), any early morning mist or fog is expected to clear, "followed by a fine and dry day with long spells of sunshine, turning hazy at times". The majority of the country should enjoy a dry day, although some blustery showers will persist across north-west Scotland.
Tonight is forecast to begin dry and turn chilly, before rain pushes quickly into south-east England. Tuesday looks set to start with cloud and some drizzly outbreaks, becoming increasingly windy with gales in the north-west, "and rather warm in the east", before heavy rain arrives in the west later in the day. This rainfall will sweep across the country on Wednesday, bringing a fresher feel. Thursday is expected to be breezy with sunny spells and scattered showers.
Outlook for October
In its UK outlook for the period covering Friday, October 2, to Sunday, October 11, there may initially be some outbreaks of rain, particularly across 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".
That said, this 10-day spell is likely to be drier than average overall, with winds lighter than usual. "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", with temperatures expected to remain above average throughout.
From Monday, October 12, more settled conditions are expected early in the period, though these "may give way to a more changeable pattern towards mid-October". This shift will bring an increased likelihood of wet and windy spells at times, although drier and more settled intervals are still anticipated through to Monday, October 26.
Once again, the Met Office has indicated that temperatures are expected to remain above average throughout the period as a whole.
