Temperatures across the UK are forecast to drop during the week ahead, concluding a period of warmer-than-average autumn weather. This marks a change from the recent summer-like warmth, which saw temperatures reach up to 28C last week.
By Wednesday, afternoon highs are expected to be between 11C in northern Scotland and 17C in southern England. If temperatures do not reach 20C anywhere in the UK, it will be the first time since 11 June.
A weather front will move southwards from Monday to Wednesday, bringing rain, generally heaviest in northern and western areas. Cooler air will follow, with daytime temperatures by midweek expected to be at or slightly below the seasonal average. Chilly nights are also anticipated, with a possibility of frost in some areas.
Met Office figures indicate that September was the joint-fourth warmest on record for the UK, with a mean average temperature of 14.6C, which is 1.6C above the long-term average. The longer-range forecast for autumn predicts it will be warmer and wetter than average, with a chance of stormy weather later in the season.