Met Office issues new weather forecast - not good news for millions of Brits

It's been a hot summer across the UK but the latest forecast predicts a more miserable end to August. The meteorological summer ends on Sunday, August 31 and the Met Office is expecting widespread wind and rain as we close out the season.

According to the forecaster, the UK has "almost certainly" had its hottest summer on record with the mean temperature currently standing at 16.13C. This is higher than the previous warmest summer in 2018 where the mean was 15.76C. However, the weather is set to take a turn for the worst over the coming days as the summer officially comes to an end.

The unsettled weather will come as low pressure sweeps into the UK. There will be showers for many on Thursday (August 28) and Friday, with the most frequent downpours expected in northern areas.

Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Willington said: "A westerly regime is now in charge of the UK's weather and will help fuel periods of wet and windy weather over the next few days, with showers and some longer spells of rain likely for much of the UK on Thursday and Friday.

"While many areas may welcome some rain after fairly prolonged dry weather, there's a potential that over the next few days some parts of Wales, northwest England and western Scotland could see some impacts at times, which we'll be keeping an eye on."

The outlook also looks grim for the weekend with heavy rain forecast on Saturday, August 30. Forecasters said the low pressure will move in from the southwest and head northeastwards.

David Oliver, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, explained: "A deep area of low pressure will develop close to the UK on Saturday and track northeast over the weekend, bringing wet and windy weather for many.

"While the exact track and depth of the system is still a little uncertain, at present it looks likely that we'll see gusts in excess of 50mph in some areas during Saturday and Sunday, especially across coasts, headlands and high ground. In addition to these gusty winds, 10-20mm of rain is likely across many regions, with higher totals over hills in western areas."

There is also a chance of further rainfall across the UK next week. While it is still early to predict, the Met Office expect some spells of rain due to the influence of low pressure.

This Evening and Tonight:

Today's band of rain will gradually clear to the east this evening, leaving many areas dry with clear spells developing overnight. However western areas will continue to see showers feed in from the Atlantic which may be occasionally heavy.

Thursday:

Sunshine and scattered showers for many, these heavy and thundery at times. Breezy, especially in the west, and feeling cooler here, but warmer in sunny spells in the east.

Outlook for Friday to Sunday:

Staying unsettled this weekend with further spells of rain and showers. Widely wet and windy on Saturday, but with some brightness returning on Sunday. Temperatures remaining around average.