The UK is forecast to experience increased rainfall and storms this autumn, according to the Met Office. This is a result of an El Niño event developing over the Pacific Ocean, which the Met Office states is likely to be the strongest in over a century.
Professor Adam Scaife, head of long-range forecasting at the Met Office, indicated that Pacific sea temperatures are set to rise by 3C, making this El Niño the largest since the 19th century. He told BBC Radio 4's Today programme that impacts would be felt worldwide, with signals for increased rainfall and storminess in the UK around November.
Despite the forecast for a wetter autumn, the National Drought Group has warned that current rainfall and cooler temperatures will not significantly impact water scarcity. Drought conditions could persist into the new year, as current forecasts do not suggest enough rainfall to drive recovery before December.