UK Weather: Warm Start to Week Before Rain and Wind Arrive
Temperatures will remain above average early in the week, with the warmest day expected on Tuesday, before a low-pressure system brings unsettled conditions.
A large area of low pressure in the Atlantic is set to influence the UK's weather early this week, bringing warmer south to south-easterly winds. However, this system will also usher in a period of wetter and windier conditions for many.
Tuesday is anticipated to be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures expected to be significantly higher than the September average. Highs could reach the high teens in Scotland and Northern Ireland, and range between 20 to 26 degrees Celsius (68 to 79 degrees Fahrenheit) across England and Wales.
Following Tuesday's warmth, temperatures are generally expected to return closer to the seasonal average. The approaching low-pressure system means that Scotland, Northern Ireland, and western parts of England and Wales are likely to experience the most unsettled weather, including rain and stronger winds. Some coasts and hills in these areas could see gales.
Central, southern, and eastern England, regions that have experienced drought conditions, may see less significant rainfall from this system. Some welcome rain might reach southeast England by Monday afternoon and evening, though its arrival is not guaranteed.
Early this week, following the autumn equinox, cooler nights are expected, especially under clear skies, with potential fog patches on Monday morning. Despite the daytime warmth, conditions will gradually shift towards autumnal weather.
By Wednesday, rain is expected to move eastward, potentially lingering overnight. Behind this weather front, spells of sunshine and scattered showers are forecast, with windy conditions persisting in the west. By Thursday, high pressure is expected to build, leading to calmer and drier weather. By Friday, the focus for any showers is likely to shift to the northwest of the UK.
September has been a notably warm month following the UK's hottest summer on record. This warmth has highlighted a contrast between different regions. While western areas like Scotland have experienced frequent rain and wind from Atlantic systems, much of central, southern, and eastern England has remained dry with ample sunshine. This has led to varied rainfall totals across the country, with some drought-affected areas receiving minimal rain, while parts of northwest Scotland have seen considerably more than average. Some locations in Scotland have already exceeded their average September rainfall by nearly 50%, with one area experiencing rain daily for 27 consecutive days. Conversely, parts of northeast England have recorded some of the lowest rainfall amounts so far this month.