Storm Austen to push UK temperatures to 27C — hotter than Malibu — before 60mph winds and floods arrive

From the Newshound archive · first published 28 September 2026.

Britain faces a sweltering start to the week as Storm Austen draws tropical air northward, pushing temperatures 10C above seasonal norms to a possible high of 27C — surpassing the 25C forecast for Malibu, California. The warmth is expected to hold through Tuesday and Wednesday before the storm delivers 60mph winds and heavy rain. The UK has not seen such heat this late in autumn since October 2011, when the mercury hit 29.9C.

The Met Office says the low-pressure system may be strong enough to earn an official name: it would be designated Austen if amber warnings are issued for wind and rain.

Western areas face the heaviest and most prolonged rainfall, with the Environment Agency cautioning that surface water flooding is possible on Monday and Tuesday.

The south-east will record the peak temperatures, but even northern England could touch 23C before the unsettled, windy conditions arrive mid-week.