The UK weather is set to turn warmer early this week as a large area of low pressure over the Atlantic pulls warm south to south-easterly winds across Britain. Tuesday is expected to be the warmest day, although the brief rise in temperatures will be followed by a return towards more typical September conditions.
The changing UK weather will also bring a spell of wetter and windier conditions to many areas. Scotland, Northern Ireland and western parts of England and Wales are expected to experience the most unsettled conditions as the Atlantic system moves closer.
However, the rain is unlikely to be evenly distributed. Many central, southern and eastern parts of England, including areas already affected by drought, could receive considerably less rainfall than western regions.
UK Weather Forecast Brings Warm Tuesday
The autumn equinox took place last week, meaning nights are now longer than days across the UK. Despite the remaining warmth in the September sunshine, clearer nights are allowing temperatures to fall noticeably, creating chilly mornings in some places.
Monday morning could begin with particularly cool conditions, with some areas also seeing patches of fog that may affect the morning commute. Once the fog clears, brighter weather is expected for many areas, with high pressure bringing sunny spells and only a few scattered showers.
South-east England could receive some welcome rainfall during Monday afternoon and evening, although the rain is not guaranteed. Temperatures are expected to reach the mid to high teens across much of the country, while some southern areas could climb to around 20C.
The UK weather is then expected to become significantly warmer on Tuesday as southerly winds strengthen. Scotland and Northern Ireland could see temperatures in the high teens, while England and Wales are forecast to reach between 20C and 26C.
The warmer conditions will not last everywhere. Rain is expected to move into Northern Ireland during Tuesday afternoon before gradually travelling eastwards through the evening and overnight period.
Atlantic Weather Will Bring Rain and Strong Winds
The rain could become persistent and occasionally heavy, particularly as it moves across the country. Strong winds and gales are also possible over exposed coastal areas and hills, making conditions more unsettled as the Atlantic weather system advances.
Further east, some areas could remain dry and bright for longer before the rain arrives on Wednesday. The wet conditions could potentially continue overnight, although the precise timing and extent of the rain may change as the forecast develops.
Once the rain clears, sunshine and scattered showers are expected to return. Western areas are likely to remain windy on Wednesday, while conditions should become calmer and drier on Thursday as high pressure begins to build.
By Friday, the north-west is expected to become the main focus for showers. Forecast details can still change, so the latest local outlook will remain important as the week progresses.
The wider September weather pattern has produced a sharp contrast across the UK following the country’s hottest summer on record. Scotland and other western areas have frequently been affected by Atlantic systems bringing rain and wind, while much of central, southern and eastern England has remained comparatively dry and sunny.
Rainfall totals have therefore varied considerably. Some drought-affected parts of England have recorded very little rainfall, while areas of north-west Scotland have experienced much wetter conditions.
Kirkwall and Prestwick are among the places that have already recorded almost one-and-a-half times their average September rainfall. At Achnagart in the Highlands, rainfall has been recorded on every day for the past 27 days.
Northern Ireland and Wales have generally received rainfall close to their September averages, while north-east England has recorded some of the lowest rainfall totals so far this month.