Heavy rain is on the way - and it will be here for months, says the Met Office. The UK weather forecaster and the Environment Agency have indicated that the forecast for September, October, and November suggests a higher probability of wetter and windier conditions compared to the 30-year average.

However, despite this, they caution that this rainfall may not be sufficient to counteract all the effects of this year's record-breaking dry and hot weather. This led several regions to declare a state of drought and enforce hosepipe bans over the summer.

It also implies that parts of the UK could feasibly experience both drought and flooding simultaneously as the UK storm season begins and flood risks escalate. The warning coincides with the Government's Flood Resilience Taskforce's virtual meeting on Monday to discuss preparations for potential flooding in the upcoming months and recent progress made on defences.

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The taskforce, established last September to enhance the country's response to increasingly extreme weather, has been developing measures such as warning systems, real-time data, and strengthening flood defences. The Met Office revealed its autumn outlook will assist the taskforce in preparing for the approaching winter months and ensure communities receive better protection from flooding consequences, reports Devon Live.

Chief meteorologist Will Lang explained the overall indication for wetter conditions represents the UK average and precipitation will probably "vary significantly across the regions", with flood dangers depending on numerous factors. "There is an increased likelihood of westerly weather patterns, which typically bring more rainfall to western and northern parts of the UK, while eastern and southern areas may experience drier conditions than the national average suggests," he said.

However, Mr Lang also explained the present outlook for rain throughout autumn is unlikely to be sufficient to reverse the impacts of drought, particularly in England. He said: "We're going to need more rain than that."

Although there is also a strong possibility the UK will witness a warmer-than-average autumn, Mr Lang said: "We tend to get that for most seasonal forecasts these days and that's really a reflection mainly of our warming climate, and how much things have changed just in the last 30 years." Caroline Douglass, executive director for flood and coastal risk management at the Environment Agency, explained the initial bursts of heavy rain on parched, hard ground can trigger flooding but can also carry pollutants into waterways, causing fish kills.

"What we want is nice, steady, flowing rain that wets things up really nicely, not flood events, not a sudden rainfall everywhere," she said. "But we know it never works out like we'd like ... Certainly (it) isn't an end to a drought yet."

When asked if areas could see drought status continue into winter, she said: "It's entirely a possibility. If we don't get the rainfall in the locations that are already in drought or prolonged dry weather, then you could have drought status continuing in those particular locations.

"It really is going to be dependent on where the rain lands." The Environment Agency revealed that additional communities across the nation will benefit from enhanced flood protection as the taskforce proceeds with rolling out measures to protect homes.

Ms Douglass explained the agency has also put money into improved protection for approximately 27,500 properties across 145 schemes between March 2024 and March 2025, and remains on course to hit the target of 52,000 by March 2026. The efforts form part of the Government's £2.65 billion investment over two years to upgrade and construct fresh flood defences nationwide, officials say.

"As we head into autumn, we need to think about flood risk even though drought is still being felt in some parts of the country," she said. "Working with our partners in the Floods Resilience Taskforce, we will continue to ensure the nation's flood resilience is bolstered by delivering new flood and coastal defences in towns and cities across the country."

However, she also urged people to take precautions where possible, such as utilising resources like the National Flood Forum and local authorities, signing up for warnings, and avoiding driving through floodwaters. "We know we cannot prevent flooding in all scenarios," she added. "We know that it can still happen, and we need to make sure that people are prepared."