Experts give verdict on whether Britain could see another heatwave in 2023

23 September 2023 , 20:13

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Enjoying autumn in Bournemouth (Image: Max Willcock/BNPS)

Rain, rain go away… an October heatwave is on its way.

After recent downpours from the tail ends of hurricanes Nigel and Lee, forecasters predict parts of the UK could enjoy temperatures of up to 23C when September ends. Yesterday the bookmakers slashed the odds on a record-breaking October from 3-1 to 6-4. John Hill of Coral said: “With another heatwave on its way, we have slashed the odds on next month being the hottest October on record in the UK.

"In what is going to feel like an Indian summer, we have also cut the odds on temperatures reaching 30C.” Jim Dale of British Weather Services added: “A new month, new weather - it is a bit by accident that we go from one regime to another: moving from one kind of mixed rainy-changeable to another.

“But mother nature has a knack of balancing things out. What tends to happen once we have had low pressure - we then get a bit of the other (high pressure). Once we get to October, if we get any warm weather, that can be classed as an Indian summer. If it happens in the way we are seeing it, the south-east could get to 21, 22, 23C - sustained sunshine for a week or more.”

Blustery conditions earlier this month (PA)

The Met Office added: “As we move into October, higher pressure close to or just east of the UK, indicates a greater chance of more in the way of settled conditions. There is an increased chance of some late season warm spells, with above average temperatures most likely.”

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts

Meanwhile, 1,700 skinny dippers were expected to brave the North Sea at the North East Skinny Dip charity event at Druridge Bay, Northumberland, this morning.

Karen Rockett