Met Office Weather Update: UK Transitions into Autumn with Unsettled Conditions and Rainfall

Autumn Arrival Brings Weather Pattern Shift

As September begins, the UK has transitioned into meteorological autumn, with weather patterns living up to expectations for an unsettled start to the season.

Following a long and hot summer, conditions have become more unsettled, with substantial rainfall and heavy showers anticipated. The Met Office has issued weather warnings for rainfall and thunderstorms this week, with the possibility of additional warnings as conditions develop.

Current Weather Conditions

The current forecast shows sunny spells with scattered showers, particularly in the west this morning, expected to spread across much of the country by afternoon. There’s a risk of thunder in western regions, though eastern areas are likely to remain largely dry with warm sunny intervals.

Looking ahead, the weather will remain unsettled with heavy showers and extended periods of rain, though there will be some drier intervals. The forecast indicates blustery conditions during showers and a general cooling trend throughout the week.

Technological Advances in Forecasting

In a significant development for weather forecasting, new Met Office-led research suggests that Machine Learning-based weather models could revolutionize global seasonal forecasting.

Historical Context and Climate Change

The Met Office recently confirmed that summer 2025 broke previous records as the warmest on record, surpassing the 2018 benchmark with an average temperature of 16.10°C compared to the previous record of 15.76°C. Notably, their studies indicate that a summer as hot as or hotter than 2025 is now 70 times more likely than it would be in a natural climate without human-induced greenhouse gases.

As climate continues to evolve, the Met Office maintains its commitment to delivering the highest quality forecasts and warnings to ensure public safety. The autumn period is expected to maintain its changeable nature, featuring a mix of rain, sunshine, and potential storm activity.