UK Weather: Late September Warmth Forecast Before Rain Returns this Week
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By Helen Willetts, Lead Weather Presenter, BBC Weather Centre
Published 28 September 2026, 02:46 BST
Updated 7 minutes ago
A vast area of low pressure in the Atlantic is set to draw warm south to south-easterly winds across the UK early this week, but rain will not be far behind.
Tuesday Looks Warmest
Tuesday promises to be the warmest day, after which temperatures will return closer to the September average. Much of the UK can expect a spell of wetter and windier weather from an approaching depression, with the most unsettled conditions likely in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and western parts of England and Wales.
However, central, southern, and eastern areas of England, affected by drought, may see significantly less rain.
Autumnal Weather Setting In
Last week marked the autumn equinox, resulting in longer nights than days. Despite sunny September days, cooler nights under clear skies are upon us. Monday morning will be notably chilly, with potential fog patches during the commute. Once the fog clears, a brighter day will follow for many, with high pressure allowing sunny spells and scattered showers.
South-east England might see some welcome rain in the afternoon and evening, but it's not guaranteed. Temperatures will range from mid to high teens, with southern areas reaching 20°C.
Warming Up on Tuesday
On Tuesday, a strengthening southerly wind will bring a much warmer day. Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to hit high teens, while England and Wales could see temperatures between 20-26°C. However, rain will move into Northern Ireland during the afternoon and slowly east throughout the evening and night, possibly becoming persistent and heavy with strong winds and gales for exposed coasts and hills.
Further east, drier and brighter conditions might prevail before the rain arrives on Wednesday, which could linger overnight. By Thursday, high pressure is expected to build, leading to calmer and drier weather by Friday, with the focus for any showers shifting to the north-west.
Stay Updated
Of course, forecast details can change, so stay up-to-date with the short-term forecast for your area here.
Warmth Continues but Rain Misses Driest Regions
Following a historic summer, September has been notably warm nationwide, though there's a stark contrast between northwest and southeast regions. While Scotland and western areas have experienced frequent rain and wind from Atlantic systems, central, southern, and eastern England have remained largely dry with ample sunshine. This disparity has resulted in varying rainfall totals – some drought-stricken parts of England have received minimal precipitation, while parts of northwest Scotland have recorded nearly one-and-a-half times their average September rainfall.