The Met Office has issued its latest long-range forecast for October, indicating a shift to unsettled conditions across the UK. Atlantic weather systems are expected to bring spells of rain, showers and strong winds to parts of the country.
Unsettled conditions expected through the month
According to the forecast, the unsettled weather will continue through much of October, although there will still be periods of drier and brighter weather. Initially, some parts of the UK can expect fine and dry conditions, with a few showers in the north. However, this is expected to give way to more unsettled conditions as weather systems move in from the Atlantic.
During the first half of October, spells of rain and showers are expected to affect most areas, with some of the heaviest conditions likely in the northwest. The Met Office also warns of some strong winds as Atlantic systems move across the country. Despite the unsettled spells, there should be drier interludes between weather systems, meaning conditions are unlikely to remain wet throughout the period.
Temperatures and second half outlook
Temperatures are expected to be near or slightly below normal at first, before potentially becoming warmer later in the month. The second half of October is also expected to remain largely changeable, according to the Met Office.
Weather systems are likely to continue moving in from the Atlantic, bringing showers and longer spells of rain. The northwest is expected to see the wettest and windiest conditions, while the southeast should generally remain drier.
The Met Office Long-range forecast states: "These will bring showers or longer spells of rain, with the wettest and windiest weather in the northwest, drier in the southeast."
There is also a chance of a period of more widespread dry weather developing at some point, although the Met Office says confidence in the exact details is low. Temperatures are expected to be above average overall during the second half of the month.
