Home › Weather › Will a Hurricane Hit the UK?
Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 14 June 2026 by the StoryShift weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
No, a true tropical hurricane cannot reach the UK because the Atlantic waters around Britain are far too cold to sustain one. However, the remnants of hurricanes that form during the Atlantic hurricane season often travel north and arrive as powerful ex-hurricane storms, bringing strong winds, heavy rain and coastal flooding — particularly in late summer and autumn.
How does the Atlantic hurricane season affect the UK?
The Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November, with peak activity between mid-August and late October. Hurricanes develop over warm tropical waters (sea-surface temperatures above 26°C) and are fuelled by that heat. As they track north-east across the Atlantic, they encounter much cooler water and increased wind shear, which strips away their tropical structure. By the time they reach latitudes near the UK, they have transformed into extratropical cyclones — commonly called ex-hurricanes. These systems can still pack wind gusts equivalent to a severe UK storm and are responsible for some of the most impactful autumn weather events on record.
What happens when a hurricane’s remnants reach the UK?
An ex-hurricane arrives as a deep area of low pressure that retains strong winds and heavy rain, but loses its warm core and symmetrical structure. The Met Office treats these systems like any other severe weather event, issuing UK weather warnings for wind and rain. The exact track and intensity depend on the jet stream and surrounding atmospheric patterns. Because ex-hurricanes often move quickly, the window for preparation can be short. Checking the 10-day forecast and the live conditions above during autumn gives you the best chance to stay ahead of any developing storm.
Notable past ex-hurricane storms in the UK
How does the Met Office name and warn about ex-hurricane storms?
If an ex-hurricane retains its original tropical name — as Ophelia and Bertha did — the Met Office uses that name in its forecasts and warnings. If the system is no longer clearly linked to a named hurricane, it may receive a new name from the Met Office and Met Éireann’s joint storm-naming list. The key is that the public is warned through UK weather alerts well in advance. The live forecast above will reflect any changes as the storm approaches, so it is worth monitoring regularly during the core hurricane season.
Has a true hurricane ever hit the UK?
No. The UK has never experienced a landfalling tropical hurricane because the sea around Britain is too cold to sustain one. The 1987 Great Storm was not a hurricane; it was an extratropical cyclone. However, ex-hurricanes — the remnants of tropical systems — have brought severe weather to the UK many times.
When is hurricane season in the Atlantic?
The official Atlantic hurricane season runs from 1 June to 30 November. The UK is most at risk of ex-hurricane storms between August and October, when the warmest tropical waters generate the strongest hurricanes and the jet stream can steer them north-east towards Britain.
What should I do if an ex-hurricane storm is forecast for my area?
Follow the Met Office’s warnings and check the live forecast above for your location. Secure garden furniture, avoid coastal paths during high winds, and prepare for potential power cuts. If you are eligible, the Cold Weather Payment Checker can help with winter heating costs if the storm causes a cold spell.
Our explainer follows the sources and standards set by StoryShift. For regularly updated information, see our full UK weather hub.