The UK could see up to 10 days without significant rain at the start of November, as high pressure builds across the country and brings a prolonged settled spell.

Forecasters expect the area of high pressure to stay over or close to the UK for at least 10 days, with light winds and largely dry, calm conditions for most areas. The start of November is looking very settled, with no significant rain in the forecast.

A sharp change after storms Austen and Boelo

The dry outlook marks a sharp contrast with the turbulent weather a week earlier, when the UK was hit by its first named storms of the season, Austen and Boelo. Rainfall from both storms, together with another area of low pressure, contributed to the wettest week in England for two years, according to the Environment Agency.

Boelo was particularly notable for the volume of rain it brought. The shift to high pressure therefore follows an exceptionally wet period rather than a dry autumn overall.

What happens next

Forecasters say signs point to high pressure loosening its hold around mid-November, which could allow Atlantic low-pressure systems to approach the country again. That change would bring wetter and windier weather, with most areas likely to see average or above-average rainfall for the time of year.

For now, the settled spell offers a calmer start to November, but it is not expected to last indefinitely. People planning travel or outdoor events should still check the latest local forecast, as fog and low cloud can form under high pressure, especially overnight and in the morning.