First London autumn forecast as Met Office predicts big change after record summer

As summer comes to an end, rain and wind is expected to hit the capital in the first week of September

Wet and windy weather is hitting parts of the UK on the first day of September as the Met Office is expected to confirm that summer 2026 was the hottest on record.

Summer has ‘officially’ came to an end – with September 1st marking the meteorological first day of Autumn. And it seems we can expect more rainy days. Over the weekend, from Friday, September 4, light rain showers are expected according to BBC Weather experts. On Sunday, September 6, it is expected to bring drizzle until 4pm.

The only plus is that temperatures will be steady in the mid-20s throughout the first week of September, with highs reaching 25C on Thursday, September 3, and 25C on September 6.

In terms of further ahead, for the first two weeks of September, the Met Office predicts for the UK: “An unsettled period is likely, with many places seeing showers or longer spells of rain at times. Rain will likely be most frequent across northern and western areas, while the south and east are more likely to see some drier interludes. There is also the potential for some strong and gusty winds, particularly in the northwest. Temperatures are likely to be near average, although brief warm or very warm spells are possible, especially in the south.”

The rain will be a welcome sight for grass and parks around the country, which have remained in drought, and experts say drought conditions will continue to worsen until there is sustained rainfall nationwide.

Several records tumbled as five heatwaves hit the country this meteorological summer, which ended on Monday. The Met Office previously said the UK was on course for its hottest summer on record, provided temperatures remained around average for the rest of August, and it is expected that final figures for the month will mean the previous record is broken.

As the first day of meteorological autumn arrived, five flood alerts, meaning flooding is possible, were in place for England, with wet and windy conditions forecast across the North West and in Scotland.

First week of September forecast