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Met Office forecasts unusual warmth across southern England followed by rain

On 29 September, the Met Office forecast highs reaching 27°C across southern England before rain moves east overnight and on 30 September. By 22 September, southeast England had received 30mm of rain, about half its monthly long-term average.

Why it mattersMillions facing water restrictions will see little relief from the dry spell as heavy rain stays west.

How we got here

  1. Forecasters indicated September tended to be wet and projected autumn was more likely to be wet than dry. Hydoutuk
  2. The Met Office said the chances of a warm and wet autumn were around 1.5 to 2 times higher than normal, while its near-term outlook allowed for drier, more settled spells, especially in the south. Gov
  3. Environment Agency rainfall reporting said southeast England had received 30mm for September to date, about 50% of its long-term average for the month; it recorded 3mm there during 16–22 September. Gov
  4. Forecasters predicted an unusually warm day in southern England, followed by rain moving east with heaviest falls out west. Gov

What's likely next

  1. The Met Office expected the main rain area to clear east, with rain possibly lingering in far eastern England until after dark and showers elsewhere.

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