Indian summer hopes dashed by hurricane season
SO MUCH for any lingering hopes of a sun-kissed September. Instead, last week we had the first named storm of the season. “Aileen” brought the sort of rain and gale-force winds – 83mph on the Isle of Wight – usually expected in late October or November.
But we won’t be seeing B for Brian or C for Caroline any time soon. Instead, today will enjoy a gentle improvement on what has so far been a damp weekend in most parts. The bitter northerly wind that has been blowing in cold air is being replaced by something more benign and mild from the South West. So we will wake up after a chilly night to clear skies and temperatures that will build as the day progresses to a pleasant 64F (18C) in London, 61F (16C) in Plymouth and 59F (15C) in Belfast.
High pressure should cover most of the UK in the days ahead, with the possible exception of Northern Ireland and western Scotland. There, the Atlantic lows that have been such a familiar feature of September, with their cycle of wind, rain and the occasional patch of sun, could maintain their hold.
The overall direction of travel, though, is onwards and upwards. So as the week progresses, those who have been reaching for the central heating button and the winter duvet as they shiver in their beds can relax. No more chilly nights for the time being.
But don’t start imagining an Indian summer, because the hurricane season on the other side of the Atlantic continues to cast a cloud of uncertainty over our weather forecasts. The unpredictable factor at the moment is Hurricane Jose, which is waxing and waning out in the Atlantic.