Autumn 2022: Warmer than average

Autumn 2022 was warmer than average, with each individual month also warmer than average. Are we on track for our warmest year on record?

This autumn was the UK's third warmest autumn since 1884, with only 2006 and 2011 being warmer. It was often unsettled too, helping to provide some relief from the summer droughts, though hosepipe bans were still in place.

November alone was also the third warmest November on record, due to our exceptionally mild south-westerly air flow that brought tropical maritime air to the British Isles.

Rainfall through autumn was also above average for many, however after the summer drought and dry spring prior, the year continues to be drier than average, especially across southern regions.

According to the Environment Agency, reservoirs are at 73% capacity, but some are still well below where they should be for this time of year.

Official statistics have shown that we would need a near-record cold December to avoid 2022 becoming the warmest year on record for the UK.

However, using the long-standing 'Central England Temperature' series, we've so far had the fourth coldest start to December in over 100 years.