Dullest October in almost 60 years for the UK

October started with the Met Office naming its first storm of the season, Amy. Then followed a typical autumnal month, culminating in above average temperatures, just below average rainfall, and well-below average sunshine.  

A lack of sunshine for many 

The UK saw its third dullest October on record, recording just 63.3 hours of sunshine across the month. Only 1960 and 1968 have seen less sunshine since this Met Office sunshine series began in 1910. 

Wales and Northern Ireland saw their second dullest October on record, with Northern Ireland particularly short on sunshine, provisionally seeing just 41% of its average October sunshine hours. 

Met Office scientist, Dr Emily Carlisle said: “October 2025 has been the dullest October in almost 60 years for the UK. A week of persistent ‘anticyclonic gloom’, combined with unsettled autumnal weather and a named storm, made it only the second month this year, after February, to see below-average sunshine for the UK. 

“Temperatures were above average for October, although not record-breaking, and rainfall for the UK falls just below average, although with much regional variation.” 

Above-average temperatures 

Temperatures were above the long-term meteorological average for October, although not near record-breaking. The UK overall saw mean temperatures provisionally 0.7°C above average, with Scotland and Northern Ireland slightly warmer. The month started with above average temperatures, shifting to average temperatures mid-month and then ending with below-average temperatures across the UK. 

Just below-average rainfall 

Rainfall was very slightly below average for the UK, provisionally 99% of the long-term average, with some regional variation. Northern Ireland was much wetter than average, provisionally seeing 136% of the average October rainfall, while parts of England were much drier than average. County Fermanagh for example, provisionally recorded 162% of the average October rainfall, while Northamptonshire saw only 60%.  

So far this year, only June and September have recorded above-average rainfall for the UK.

Storm Amy begins the month 

Storm Amy arrived on 3 October, bringing strong winds and heavy rain across Scotland and Northern Ireland. Amy brought 50 to 75mm or more of rainfall and gale-force winds across northern areas. 

Notably, the centre of the low pressure dropped to 944 hectopascals (or millibars), with a reading of 947.9 hectopascals recorded in northern Scotland, a new October record for the region.  

Northern Ireland also experienced its strongest October gust on record, with Magilligan recording a gust of 92 miles per hour. Across Scotland, Northern Ireland, and even parts of northern England, numerous weather stations reported their highest October gusts, with some records stretching back nearly half a century. 

More heavy rain and strong winds were seen later in the month along the south coast associated with Storm Benjamin, which was named by Meteo France.