London: The UK public is being urged to prepare for the possibility of flooding this autumn, as the Met Office forecasts above-average rainfall and strong winds.
A stronger jet stream and increased westerly winds in the long-range outlook raise the likelihood of a wet, windy, and possibly stormy season, though heavy rain is not guaranteed.
If severe weather does occur, western and northern parts of the UK are expected to be hardest hit, while eastern and southern regions may experience drier-than-average conditions. Despite the unsettled forecast, drought conditions affecting five areas of England are unlikely to ease soon.
Is there any sign of the weather settling down this week, or are we in for more spells of rain? 🌧️
Find out all the details for the week ahead below 👇 pic.twitter.com/uDvlgzndOY
— Met Office (@metoffice) September 7, 2025
Will Lang, the Met Office’s Chief Meteorologist, explained that, “The current forecast for unsettled weather is unlikely to be enough to reverse the effects of drought over the next few weeks and during the autumn, especially so in England. We’re going to need more rain than that.”
Lang added that it is too early to know if conditions will improve later in autumn or winter, but stressed that some regions could face both drought and flooding simultaneously, a sign of a changing climate.
The warning follows the end of the UK’s hottest summer on record, which abruptly gave way to heavy downpours in some areas. Last September, major rainfall brought disruption across the Midlands, and in November, Storm Bert triggered a major incident in Wales.
To prepare for the season ahead, the Floods Resilience Taskforce, comprising Floods Minister Emma Hardy, the Environment Agency, and emergency services, will meet to discuss measures. The task force, set up last year to respond to increasingly extreme weather, is advising the public to sign up for flood alerts, avoid driving through floodwaters, and take steps to prepare their homes to speed recovery.
According to Environment Agency data, around 6.3 million properties in England remain at risk of flooding from rivers, seas, or flash flooding. Flooding last November even washed-out caravans near Northampton.
The government has pledged a record £2.65 billion over two years to strengthen flood defences and protect an additional 52,000 properties. It aims to safeguard 25,000 homes this financial year, with 3,800 already completed. Officials confirmed that 92.7 percent of critical flood defences currently meet required standards, a slight improvement on 92.6 percent last September, but still short of the optimal 98 percent level.
The UK’s new storm naming season was also launched last week, aimed at raising awareness of severe weather risks. Forecasters say autumn is likely to be warmer than average, reflecting long-term climate shifts seen over the past 30 years. Warmer air carries more moisture, which increases the intensity of downpours.
Earlier this year, the UK’s climate advisers warned the country could face ‘disaster’ without stronger protections against flooding and extreme heat.
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