United Kingdom weather: Temperatures to drop as autumn chill arrives

Temperatures across the United Kingdom are expected to drop significantly this week, ending a period of unseasonably warm autumn weather. Following a September that was among the warmest on record, a weather front is set to move southwards, bringing cooler air and outbreaks of rain.

By Wednesday, afternoon highs are forecast to range between 11C in northern Scotland and 17C in southern England. If temperatures fail to reach 20C anywhere in the country, it will mark the first time such a threshold has not been met since June 11.

Weather patterns will vary by region. Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to experience cloud cover and rain, with heavy and persistent rainfall and wind gusts of up to 40mph likely in western Scotland. While southern England may see some sunshine and temperatures reaching 23C on Sunday, rain and cooler conditions are expected to move southwards throughout the week, potentially bringing thunder and lightning to the south and southeast by midweek.