Sean Batty weather insight: Autumn set to arrive early in August as heavy rain and strong winds forecast

Autumn is set to make an early entrance next week, not officially, but it’ll certainly feel that way with heavy rain and strong winds sweeping in – hardly the August weather we hope for.

I can almost hear you asking, “When did summer start?!” Indeed, it’s been a slow season, with places like Stornoway and the Northern Isles still to hit 20C this year.

Even in Bishopton, Renfrewshire, we’ve only managed to reach 25C – and that was way back in May! If temperatures don’t climb higher in the coming weeks, this could be our coolest ‘hot day’ record since 2011. To put that into perspective, last year we peaked at 29C, and in 2018 we soared to 32C.

Next week is shaping up to be a washout, with several weeks’ worth of rain expected to fall in some areas. The wettest spot could be between Mallaig and Fort William, where up to 20mm of rain may drench the region on Monday alone.

But before this soggy spell arrives, we’re in for a bit of a reprieve. The weekend looks decent, with a significant boost in temperatures on Sunday as heat surges up from the south. Spain will be sweltering with 40C heat, and some of that warmth will drift our way, pushing temperatures into the low 30s in southern England, and the low 20s for us on Sunday. However, don’t get too comfortable – this warm spell will be short-lived as autumnal low-pressure systems roll in from the Atlantic on Monday.

In addition to the downpours, expect periods of strong winds next week, which could disrupt ferry services around the Western Isles by midweek.

Some weather models are predicting up to 100mm of rain between Monday and Sunday in areas like Loch Shiel and the Taynuillt and Dalmally region. Ayrshire might see up to 50mm during the same period – nearly three weeks’ worth of rain for August. Meanwhile, Dunbartonshire, Glasgow, Renfrewshire, and Inverclyde are looking at totals of 35-45mm for the week.

With the unsettled weather coinciding with the start of the school year for many, don’t be surprised if your kids come home with mud on their brand-new uniforms. Perhaps summer will arrive in September…