September 2026 was characterised by notably warm conditions across the UK, with temperatures widely above the long-term average and many regions enjoying more sunshine than usual.
While rainfall varied from region to region, much of England experienced a relatively dry month, particularly in eastern and south-eastern areas. The latest provisional statistics highlight a month that was warmer than average almost everywhere, with the strongest temperature anomalies recorded across southern and eastern England.
A notably warm month
Temperatures during September were above average across all regions of the UK. Mean temperature anomalies ranged from +0.8°C in northern Scotland to as much as +2.4°C in East Anglia and south-east England. East Anglia recorded a mean temperature of 17.2°C, 2.4°C above average, while southeast and central south England also reached 17.1°C, likewise 2.4°C above average.
Maximum daytime temperatures were particularly high across southern and eastern parts of England. East Anglia recorded an average maximum temperature of 22.0°C, 2.7°C above the long-term average, while southeast and central south England reached 21.9°C, also 2.7°C above average. The Midlands recorded an average maximum of 20.3°C, 2.2°C above normal, and east England and the northeast recorded 19.5°C, 2.2°C above average.
Even in Scotland, temperatures were well above normal. East Scotland recorded a mean temperature anomaly of +1.1°C, while western Scotland experienced a mean temperature of 13.0°C, 1.2°C above average.
You can explore these records using our interactive map below.
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Dry conditions for many parts of England
Rainfall patterns during September showed a marked contrast between northern and southern areas. The driest conditions were generally found across eastern and southern England, where monthly rainfall totals were well below average. East England and the northeast recorded just 27.9 mm of rainfall, representing only 43% of the long-term average for the month. East Anglia received 30.2 mm, equivalent to 58% of average rainfall, while southeast and central south England recorded 34.4 mm, 57% of the average.
The Midlands were also relatively dry, receiving 40.8 mm of rainfall, or 63% of average.
Further north, rainfall totals were closer to or above average. East Scotland recorded 98.4 mm of rainfall, equivalent to 111% of average, while western Scotland received 198.1 mm, 139% of the norm. Northern Scotland was also wetter than average, recording 204 mm of rainfall, representing 149% of average September rainfall.
You can explore these records using our interactive map below.
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Plenty of September sunshine
Many parts of the UK also enjoyed sunnier-than-average conditions. The highest sunshine totals were recorded across southern and eastern England, reflecting the prevalence of settled weather during much of the month. Southeast and central south England recorded 159.1 hours of sunshine, 103% of average, while East Anglia saw 157.8 hours, 105% of average. East England and the northeast recorded 148.1 hours, reaching 110% of the seasonal norm.
Scotland East also experienced a notably sunny month, recording 119.3 hours of sunshine, or 105% of average. By contrast, western Scotland, north-west England and south-west England were somewhat duller than usual, recording sunshine totals below average for September. West Scotland recorded 97.5 hours, equivalent to 90% of average, while northwest England and north Wales recorded 110.3 hours, representing 89% of average. Southwest England and South Wales reached 126.3 hours, also 89% of average.
You can explore these records using our interactive map below.
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