Forecast period: 20 to 23 September 2026

There are still useful inspection opportunities in parts of the UK at the start of this forecast, but the forage picture is less helpful. Wind restricts access to exposed flowers in many areas, while recent dry conditions continue to reduce nectar reward. Every region has at least one period of weak nectar collection over the four days.

Stores pressure is elevated across much of the UK and high in the Highlands. A busy hive entrance may therefore give a misleading impression of what a colony is actually bringing home.

• Why flying activity does not necessarily mean useful nectar intake.
• Where inspection conditions are workable at first and where they become harder later.
• Why north-west England deserves attention as stores pressure builds.
• How wind, showers and the continuing effects of dry weather affect different regions.
• Why checking colony weight and recorded stores is more useful than assuming every active colony is finding enough forage.

Workable conditions are indicated at first in Wales, Northern Ireland, south-west, south-east and north-west England, East Anglia and the Midlands. Conditions become harder later in south-west England and Wales.

Nectar collection deteriorates later in Wales, Northern Ireland and south-west England, mainly because of wind. Showers combine with the continuing effects of recent dryness in north-east England, while showers are the main restriction in the Highlands. Stores pressure builds later in north-west England.

Apiary Forecast provides local inspection, forage, stores and queen-mating guidance for your own saved apiaries. A two-week free trial is available at ApiaryForecast.com.