Don’t hold out hope for an Indian summer! Heavy wind and rain is set to lash the UK next month as forecasters predict an ‘unsettled’ September with only brief ‘glimpses of sunshine here and there'
Britain is set for heavy wind and rain to lash parts of the nation next month during an 'unsettled' September, say forecasters.
Large swathes of people across England will catch their last chance to soak up the summer rays for the year this week, with only brief 'glimpses of sunshine here and there' ahead of a miserable month.
The Met Office has put this down to an area of low pressure moving in from Sunday, combined with the effects of 'increased tropical storm activity' in the US.
It comes amid unsettled weather which has persisted across the UK throughout August, with the weather service also naming its first storm of the summer - Storm Evert - last month.
Despite the soggy outlook, bookmaker Coral has slashed the odds from 3-1 to 6-4 on next month being a record hot September in the UK, saying early reports suggest it will be 'warmer than average'.
Alex Burkill, a Met Office forecaster, said: 'It's fair to say the beginning of the month will be rather settled, with high pressure dominating.
Large swathes of England will catch their last chance to soak up the summer rays for the year this week, with only brief 'glimpses of sunshine here and there' ahead of a miserable month (pictured: St James' Park in London on July 25)
The forecast for today, pictured above. The Met Office has put next month's forecast down to an area of low pressure moving in from Sunday, combined with the effects of 'increased tropical storm activity' in the US
'There will be drizzle and cloud in the east this week, but in the west certain regions will certainly hit the low 20s and see glimpses of sunshine here and there.
'However, this could perhaps be the last of the summery weather until the end of September, with a prolonged spell of unsettled conditions and low pressure from Sunday.'
Mr Burkill warned that September is likely to see 'more rain and wind' than in August, which was wetter than average in parts of the South East and London.
more videos
NZ minister's interview interrupted by son holding very rude carrot
Train smashes through semi-truck carrying turbine blade in Texas
Festival-goers dump huge amounts of litter at Reading Festival
Taliban leaders pose for cameras taking over Kabul airport after US depart
People gathering to celebrate in the streets of Kandahar
Taliban reinforce dominance in Panjshir valley after militia clashes
Driver performs agonisingly long turn in narrow parking space
Bouncers kick man in the head and completely knock him out
Suspected landlord smashes windows of shop after alleged rent row
Driver opens car door and it's ripped from hinges by oncoming vehicle
Baby elephant stuck on riverbank gets a helping hand
Rider falls off bull shortly before being stomped on and killed
He added: 'The low-pressure, along with the increased tropical storm activity across the Atlantic will certainly give the month a more autumnal- feel than previous years.
'The temperature is likely to remain around the average for the year, perhaps dipping a bit cooler until the end of the month - when it may well get drier again.'
It comes after parts of the UK have seen large amounts of rainfall for the time of year, including the City of London, which has experienced its ninth wettest August on record.
People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach earlier this month. Despite the soggy outlook, bookmaker Coral has slashed the odds from 3-1 to 6-4 on next month being a record hot September in the UK
A beach in Bournemouth, Dorset, appears fairly crowded despite the mild weather as people paddle in the sea earlier this month. Parts of the UK have seen large amounts of rainfall for the time of year
A group of four people look onto a grey sea in Bournemouth, Dorset. It comes amid unsettled weather which has persisted across the UK throughout August, with the Met Office also naming its first storm of the summer last month
Heavy rain and hail has already caused 'significant problems' for harvests, according to the National Farmers Union .
A spokesperson for the union said this year's harvest was delayed due to cold spring temperatures, but it's too early to say how much profits will be impacted and whether consumers could see a rise in food prices.
They said: 'The localised heavy rain and hail has caused significant problems in certain areas.
'It's a mixed picture because for many areas they just haven't had many clear dry days in a row to harvest, so things have been a bit "stop-start" with harvesting.
'Where they have been harvesting, grain has often had to be dried because the better weather hasn't lasted long enough to get moisture levels down to where they need to be.
Two people zip line in front of a bleak backdrop above the pier in Bournemouth, Dorset. Heavy rain and hail has already caused 'significant problems' for harvests, according to the National Farmers Union
A tweet from the Met Office, above, asking: 'Does the UK weather feel a bit stuck to you?' Forecaster Alex Burkill said: 'It's fair to say the beginning of the month will be rather settled, with high pressure dominating'
'The problems will grow if the unsettled weather continues because it will start to impact on the quality of the grain if it goes on too long, especially for crops like milling wheat.'
However, Coral's John Hill said: 'The early reports suggest we could be set for a hotter September than average this year.
'We have slashed the odds on next month being a record hot September which indicates we are set for one last heatwave this summer.'
And Ladbrokes also says Britain could be set for a record-breaking hot Autumn, cutting odds to 2-1 on September going down as the hottest ever.
The firm's Alex Apati said: 'The scorching temperatures may be long gone for the year, but that's not to say we won't be in for a record-breaking few weeks ahead on the weather front.'