Autumn Gloom Grips UK as High-Pressure System Dominates

As of October 15th, 2025, a high-pressure system is set to dominate the UK's weather for the week ahead, resulting in a lack of blue skies and sun. This weather pattern, known as an "anticyclonic gloom," is not uncommon in the UK, especially during the autumn months.

The Met Office explains that when a high-pressure system, or anticyclone, settles over the country, the air sinks towards the ground, trapping a thin layer of moisture or low cloud close to the surface. This can lead to dreary, overcast conditions and even drizzle. In the summer, the sun's strength is usually enough to break up the low cloud, but in October, the sun's reduced power means the low cloud remains stubbornly in place.

The lack of wind from the high-pressure system also contributes to the gloomy weather, as it prevents the low cloud from clearing. This phenomenon can also result in higher levels of pollution, as the pollutants become trapped under the cloud cover, similar to the Great Smog of 1952 that covered London in a thick, deadly fog.

While most of the UK will be blanketed in grey skies, those on higher ground, such as the Pennines and Scottish Highlands, may be able to poke above the low cloud and enjoy clearer, drier conditions. The Met Office has reported extraordinarily low humidities of just 4% over the Pennines earlier this week.

The high-pressure system is expected to slowly shift into the North Sea over the weekend, allowing winds to start coming in from the south and bringing a bit more of a breeze and perhaps fewer gloomy patches overnight where clear spells develop. However, wet and windy weather is forecast to move in from the west on Sunday.