Overview

• The Met Office’s September–November outlook flags a higher-than-normal chance of wetter, windier conditions driven by a stronger jet stream and more frequent westerlies.
• Rainfall is expected to vary by region, with western and northern areas likely to see more rain while eastern and southern areas may stay comparatively drier.
• Officials say the expected rainfall is unlikely to erase this year’s drought, which could persist into winter depending on where the heaviest rain falls.
• The Environment Agency warns that heavy downpours on hard, dry ground increase rapid runoff and flash-flood risk, and initial ‘first-flush’ rains can wash pollutants into rivers.
• The Government’s Flood Resilience Taskforce convenes today as 6.3 million properties face flood risk, with 92.7% of critical defences at required condition and a £2.65bn programme aiming to protect 52,000 properties by March 2026 after improving 27,500 last year.