Autumnal hues likely to be muted

Unless there is more rain soon, autumn foliage will be brown and crispy, lacking its usual colourful flare following the heatwave, say experts.

For a bright autumn display, a warm and slightly moist summer is needed so that trees can build up sugars that create the colours in their leaves.

However, this summer, although easily warm enough, has been far too dry for trees to develop the deep reds and orange colours, with some starting to die after the long drought, says the Forestry Commission. In June, Westonbirt, The National Arboretum in Gloucestershire, recorded only 4.4mm of rain – just 8 per cent of the 30-year average of 57mm. This is a similar story across England with the Met Office saying 2018 ranks within the top five driest Junes on record.

With forecasts of above average temperatures, autumn 2018 colour may be over before it has even begun. Samantha Herbert