It’s been what is expected to be the hottest summer ever, with the UK seeing record-breaking temperatures, long spells of sunshine and four official heatwaves.
But those hoping for a final hurrah before autumn hits will be disappointed, with experts now predicting that another heatwave is not on the cards.
Reports of a so-called Indian Summer – a period of unseasonably warm and calm weather that occurs in the autumn – had surfaced, with speculation that the mercury could hit 30C in the UK early in September.
But Met Office forecasters said they are expecting moderate conditions, with temperatures more likely to be in the low-twenties – which will still feel warm, but is normal for this time of year.
Met Office meteorologist Craig Snell said the current forecast suggests “nothing like what we have seen during the summer months”.
He told The Independent: “The week after next is a little bit too early to nail down exactly what will go on. Our general trend though, as we go through to the second week of September, is that, on the whole, for the UK, it is probably going to remain on the changeable, unsettled side of the weather.
“It looks like there will be some drier and brighter spells at times… It will be early September, so in any sunnier moments, it will still feel fairly warm out there.”
Met Office temperature forecast for September 7 (The Met Office)He said that, as the UK heads into the second week of September, it is likely to see the best of the brighter and drier weather, but there are no indications that temperatures will reach any highs that point towards a heatwave.
“I can’t say it’s not going to completely not happen, but looking at the chances of things happening, I’d say there’s just as much chance of us being as we are now,” he said.
The Met Office said that, between September 4 and 13, it expects “changeable and unsettled weather conditions” across the UK.
“This will mean showers or longer spells of rain will affect much of the UK at times,” it said. “Some heavy rain or showers are expected in places, most often in the west. Thunderstorms and hail are also possible, as are some spells of strong winds if any deep areas of low pressure form in the vicinity of the UK.
“Some short-lived spells of drier and more settled weather are also possible at times, especially later in the period when they may last a little longer. Temperatures will likely be close to average or slightly below overall, but may rise above at times in any drier, sunnier spells.”
The aftermath of Hurricane Erin brought “unseasonable” rainy weather to parts of the UK over the weekend (PA Wire)The UK has experienced an unprecedented summer, on track for the hottest summer ever recorded. It has seen four consecutive heatwaves this summer, which the Met Office says makes it “almost certainly” the warmest yet.
Over the bank holiday weekend, temperatures hit 29.1C in the village of Hawarden in Flintshire and 24.5C in Magilligan, Londonderry. The previous record for Wales was 26.5C dating back to 1991, and 23.8C for Northern Ireland.
But as the UK faced the aftermath of Hurricane Erin last week, Britons saw an end to the dry spell that brought record-breaking temperatures to the UK all summer.
The double effects of Tropical Storm Fernand and Hurricane Erin meant it was an “unseasonable” rainy weekend for parts of the UK, with the Met Office issuing a yellow weather warning for some areas.
Here is the weather forecast in the UK for the coming days, according to the Met Office.
Today
Rain soon clearing Shetland, leaving a day of sunshine and showers across the UK. Showers most frequent in the west, heavy at times with hail, thunder and gusty winds possible. A windy day generally, with gales along exposed western coasts.
Tonight
Showers affecting western and southern coastal areas, merging into longer spells of rain at times. Sheltered areas of eastern Wales, central and eastern England remaining largely dry with clear spells.
Monday
Another day of sunny spells and scattered showers. Showers starting in the west and spreading eastwards during the day, again possibly heavy with hail and thunder. Still blustery for many.
Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday
Remaining unsettled throughout this period with further showers and longer periods of rain moving across the UK, chiefly in the south. Some brief drier interludes are possible at times.
