UK warmed by 'second hottest September' since records began

Britain has experienced one of the hottest Septembers since records began, provisional Met Office figures suggest.

This month's mean temperature (14.8C/58.6F) is currently the second warmest on record - behind first-place 2006 (15.2C/59.4F) and just in front of 1949 (14.6C/58.3F).

The hottest day of the year so far was recorded on September 13 when Gravesend in Kent baked in a country-wide high of 34.4C (94F).

It is the first time in over 60 years the hottest day of the year has come in the first month of autumn.

The vast majority of areas across the UK were above the 30-year average September temperature, with many eastern parts almost 3C above.

The data covers the period up until the 27th, with full figures expected on Tuesday October 4, the Met Office said.

Despite thunderstorms and heavy flooding in some parts, in total the UK received less rainfall than usual with 84mm recorded versus the September average of 96.4mm.

In mid-September half a month's rain fell in just a few hours causing widespread transport delays and electricity shortages particularly across the south and south-east.

Emma Sharples, a meteorologist with the Met Office, said the month started on an "unsettled note" but warm air coming from the continent caused temperatures to climb "putting comments that summer was over to bed".

She said: "There will be some fine and bright weather next week, with temperatures in the high teens and low 20s in some places: all is not lost yet.

"Recently we have had some lovely sunrises and clear skies at night, allowing us to see pictures of the aurora (borealis, Northern Lights).

"Overall, September will end on a mixed note with lower, more autumnal, temperatures expected."