Wet and windy weather has arrived across parts of the UK on the first day of September, as official data is expected to confirm that summer 2026 was the hottest on record.
A series of temperature records fell as five separate heatwaves affected the country throughout the meteorological summer, which ended on Monday.
The Met Office previously indicated that the UK was on track for an unprecedented high, provided temperatures remained near average for the remainder of August, with final figures expected to show the existing record has been surpassed.
Official temperature data collection by the national weather service dates back to 1884, with provisional seasonal totals traditionally announced on the opening day of the new season.
Summer 2025 presently holds the title of the UK’s warmest on record, when the mean average temperature spanning June, July and August reached 16.10C, breaking the prior peak of 15.76C set in 2018.
As meteorological autumn began, five flood alerts—indicating that flooding is possible—were issued across England, alongside wet and windy conditions forecast for Scotland and the North West.
Conditions elsewhere were drier, with only scattered showers anticipated.
Looking further into September, forecasters predict a period of unsettled weather, though rainfall is expected to be more concentrated in northern and western areas, while the South and East should see prolonged drier intervals.
With most of England and the whole of Wales remaining in drought, experts warn that drought conditions will continue to worsen until sustained rainfall falls across the nation.
Forecast for the next four days
Tuesday
Dry and settled across much of England and Wales, with variable amounts of cloud. Cloudier elsewhere, with a band of rain affecting Scotland, which will sink southwards during the day.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday
Remaining changeable with showers or longer spells of rain for most, although some drier and brighter spells also developing. Temperatures near normal for early September, although often mild by night.
