As September begins, the UK transitions into meteorological autumn.
While this month can sometimes deliver spells of warm and sunny weather, the week ahead looks set to be dominated by a distinctly autumnal pattern, with rainfall and blustery conditions taking centre stage across much of the country.
Autumnal setup: low pressure and the jet stream
The classic autumnal setup is already in place, with low pressure systems exerting their influence over the UK. A south-shifted jet stream, that fast-moving ribbon of air high in the atmosphere, is helping to steer these weather systems towards us. This week, the jet stream will play a key role in pushing areas of low pressure across the country, bringing spells of rain and strong winds, particularly to southern regions.
On Tuesday, one area of low pressure will move across the south, followed by another system on Wednesday, propelled by the jet stream as it barrels across the UK. These lows will bring periods of rain, some heavy showers, and gusty winds, especially along southern coasts. Behind these systems, there are signs that the jet stream may nudge a little further north, allowing weather fronts to continue affecting northern areas towards the end of the week.
This jet stream has shifted allowing low pressure to dominate our weather this week ☔
— Met Office (@metoffice) September 1, 2025
This will bring an autumnal feel, with showers, longer spells of rain and strong winds for some 🍂 pic.twitter.com/j57Kv0MI8K
Rainfall returns: a welcome change for some
After a notably dry spell in many areas, the return of rain will be welcomed by some. However, the rain is expected to be heavy in places, particularly across Wales, southwest England, and moving into the southeast and East Anglia during Tuesday. Further north, conditions will be a little drier, with fewer showers and perhaps more sunshine compared to Monday. Winds will also ease slightly for many on Tuesday, making for a calmer day overall.
Temperatures will be close to average for the time of year, with highs in the upper teens and possibly low twenties in the east before the showery rain arrives. It may feel cooler, especially as breezes pick up along the south coast at times.
Midweek: wet and windy for many
Wednesday marks the return to school for many, and it could be a very soggy start to the term across England and Wales. A band of heavy rain will move northwards, pivoting and followed by further heavy showers. Brighter skies may develop to the south, and western Scotland could fare better with drier and finer weather. Elsewhere, expect some fairly hefty downpours. A yellow weather warning is in place across parts of South Wales and southwest England for heavy rain between 12am and 2pm on Wednesday.
When the sun does break through and the rain clears, temperatures should reach the low twenties, but it will remain windy, especially over South Wales and southern counties of England. Strong gusts are likely along the south coast, making for a blustery day as the area of low pressure exits into the North Sea during Wednesday evening.
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Thursday: sunshine and showers
Thursday brings a return to sunshine and showers, with a cloudy start likely over central and eastern parts of England and outbreaks of rain. As the day progresses, cloud will break up to reveal some sunny spells, but a rash of showers will continue to pack in, similar to conditions experienced over the weekend. A brisk wind will help move the showers through, allowing for some brighter intervals and temperatures close to average, in the high teens or low twenties.
Winds will not be as strong as on Wednesday across the south, but will still add a freshening feel. The isobars remain closely packed, and low pressure continues to dominate through Thursday.
Friday: drier and brighter for many
By Friday, high pressure will attempt to build in the south, with isobars opening up just a touch. Weather fronts will push thickening cloud into Northern Ireland and later western Scotland, with a few showers ahead of these fronts. However, for much of Wales, the Midlands, and southern England, Friday looks generally dry and bright, with lighter winds and temperatures struggling in the mid teens across western Scotland where more persistent rain is expected. Elsewhere, brighter conditions should allow temperatures to reach into the twenties.
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Weekend outlook: uncertainty remains
Looking ahead to the weekend, the weather pattern remains uncertain. High pressure will be situated to the east and low pressure to the west, with the timing of the next band of rain from the west still in question. Isobars will begin to squeeze together, and warmer air may push up from the south, setting up a battle between air masses. Saturday could be quite warm with some sunny spells before the next weather system arrives, and this evolving situation will be closely monitored as the week progresses.
In summary, the week ahead will be dominated by unsettled autumnal weather, with low pressure systems bringing spells of rain, showers, and gusty winds. While some areas will see brighter and drier interludes, particularly towards the end of the week, the overall theme is one of changeable conditions typical of early autumn.
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