Heavy wind and rain will lash parts of the country during an “unsettled” September for the UK, forecasters say.

Large swathes of the country may see their last glimpses of summer weather for the year this week, with a miserable month ahead.

The Met Office has put this down to an area of low pressure set to move in from Sunday, combined with the effects of “increased tropical storm activity” in the US.

Alex Burkill, a Met Office forecaster, told the PA news agency: “It’s fair to say the beginning of the month will be rather settled, with high pressure dominating.

“There will be drizzle and cloud in the east this week, but in the west certain regions will certainly hit the low 20s and see glimpses of sunshine here and there.

“However, this could perhaps be the last of the summery weather until the end of September, with a prolonged spell of unsettled conditions and low pressure from Sunday.”

Mr Burkill warned that September is likely to see “more rain and wind” than in August, which was wetter than average in parts of the South East and London.

He went on to say: “The low-pressure, along with the increased tropical storm activity across the Atlantic will certainly give the month a more autumnal- feel than previous years.

“The temperature is likely to remain around the average for the year, perhaps dipping a bit cooler until the end of the month – when it may well get drier again.”

This week's forecast in full:

Tuesday: Another cloudy start with outbreaks of light rain and drizzle during the morning. Drier with some bright or sunny spells developing in the afternoon. Warmest along the south coast. Maximum temperature 21 °C.

Tuesday night: A partly cloudy evening with bright intervals. Remaining mostly dry away from coasts where outbreaks of drizzle remain possible. Becoming increasingly cloudy overnight as light rain and drizzle spread westwards. Minimum temperature 15 °C.

Wednesday: Another cloudy start with outbreaks of light rain and drizzle in the north. Becoming largely dry with brief brighter spells in the afternoon. Cloud thickening again later. Maximum temperature 20 °C.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Mainly fine and dry with variable cloud and some sunny spells. Pleasant in any sunshine, but cool underneath the cloud and along the coast, with onshore breeze.

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