UK had joint-hottest September on record in 2023, Met Office says
The UK had its joint-hottest September on record in 2023, according to provisional Met Office statistics.
September 2023 in the UK saw a mean temperature of 15.2°C, putting it at level with 2006’s record figure in statistics that have been “substantially influenced” by the impact of climate change, the Met Office has said.
England’s provisional figure of 16.7°C topped the previous record of 16.5°C set in 2006, the Met Office has revealed. The Welsh provisional temperature of 15.6°C also beat its 2006 figure of 15.2°C.
For Northern Ireland, September 2023 was the joint-warmest on record with an average mean temperature of 14.2°C putting it level with both 2006 and 2021’s figures, the Met Office has said.
Scotland provisionally had its third warmest September on record, with an average mean temperature of 12.8°C. Only 2021 and 2006 were warmer for the country according to September mean temperature.
Met Office Scientific Manager Mark McCarthy said: “This September’s temperature records are heavily driven by how significantly warm the first half of the month was.
“Not only did September have the hottest day of the year – something that has only happened on four previous occasions in our observations – but it also had seven consecutive days where temperatures were above 30°C somewhere in the UK, which had never happened in this month in Met Office observations.”
Mr McCarthy added: “The significantly warm start to September was influenced by high pressure across Europe. This helped to draw warmer air over the UK at the start of the month.
“Once this pattern subsided, we had a more Atlantic influence, with periods of winds and rain, as well as Storm Agnes late in the month, yet often a south westerly flow resulting in above average temperatures but also humid conditions and plenty of rain.”
Aside from climbing temperatures, September was also a wetter than average month.
The UK saw almost a third more rain than average for the month, with 119.4mm of rain falling – 31 per cent more than average.
Met Office Senior Scientist Jennifer Pirret has warned of the impact of climate change on this latest figure.
Ms Pirret said: “September 2023’s temperature was substantially influenced by climate change and our attribution study shows how this figure would have been practically impossible in a climate without human-induced greenhouse gas emissions.”
Weather forecast for the week ahead
The Met Office predicts a largely dry start to the week ahead across the UK, though outbreaks of rain are predicted to become increasingly widespread across England and Wales.
These unsettled conditions could even turn to heavy showers, with thunder a possibility later in the week.
Scotland, Northern Ireland and the far north of England are set to see sunny spells, but also some showers.
Monday
England and Wales will see rainy conditions on Monday – heavy and possibly thundery at times – clearing eastwards over the course of the day.
Elsewhere, clear spells and showers are predicted by the Met Office, especially in northwest Scotland, where it will be windy.
Tuesday
Remaining rain in eastern England will clear, leaving a bright day for many with a scattering of showers, especially in the north. Some gales are also expected across the UK.
Wednesday to Friday
Across Scotland, wet and windy weather is expected, with this spreading into Northern Ireland and northern England at times.
Elsewhere, the Met Office predicts drier conditions with bright or sunny spells, turning warmer later in the week.
Saturday and Sunday
A north/south split in conditions is likely across the UK as the weekend approaches.
On Saturday, persistent rain is expected across northwest Scotland, accompanied with widespread strong winds in the north, with a chance of coastal gales.
The rest of the country will remain mostly dry and fine, with south and southeastern areas seeing the best of the sunshine. Light winds are also expected further south.
This north/south split is likely to continue into the start of the week next week, with temperatures in the south unusually warm for October possible.
These temperatures are likely to trend downward towards the middle of the month.
