Many Britons have experienced an “unseasonable” October heatwave over the weekend with temperatures hitting 26C in some areas of the country.
The south of England has seen several days with temperatures reaching above 20C, exceeding historic averages.
Temperatures are expected to stay consistently warm into the week due to a stream of warm and humid air originating from north-west Africa and the Canaries.
Yet the Met Office issued an amber weather warning for rain across much of Scotland with some areas in the Highlands and central Scotland seeing a month’s worth of rain in a 24-hour period.
The resulting flooding has caused widespread disruption across the rail network and poses a potential risk to life and property.
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BBC Weather forecaster Matt Taylor said that the weekend’s conditions highlight the “stark contrasts” in the UK’s weather.
He explained: “While it will feel like late summer in the south, it will be more like late autumn/early winter for many in Scotland. Not only will there be persistent rain for many but temperatures will struggle to reach 10C for a fair few.”
The warm start to October follows the warmest September on record for England and Wales and the Met Office has attributed this to the impact of climate change.
They concluded that the mean 15.2C temperature experienced in September would have been virtually impossible without the human impact on the environment.
Met Office senior scientist Jennifer Pirret said: “September 2023’s temperature was substantially influenced by climate change”.
While Professor Ed Hawkins from the University of Reading said: “Global temperatures in 2023 are extraordinary”.
So what about YOU? Are you worried about climate change with temperatures hitting 26C in October? Vote in our poll and leave your thoughts in the comment section below.
