Will There Be a heatwave this weekend? Latest UK weather forecast: The Met Office has confirmed that although the UK will experience warmer than average conditions this weekend, it won’t officially qualify as a heatwave.
Temperatures are expected to rise up to 28°C in central and southeastern England, while most other areas will see highs in the low to mid‑20s.
However, the threshold for an official heatwave — which requires three consecutive days above specific temperature levels for each region — will not be met.
Regional Outlook: Warm but Not Extreme
Much of southern and eastern England will enjoy sunny and dry weather with higher temperatures, especially on Saturday and Sunday.
The north and Scotland, meanwhile, will remain cooler and cloudier, with occasional light rain or drizzle.
Despite warm spells in the south, these conditions are considered normal for late July and do not indicate a heatwave event.
What Defines a Heatwave – And Why This Isn’t One
A UK heatwave isn’t simply about hot days — it requires sustained high temperatures over multiple days, specific to each region.
For instance, southern England needs to record 28°C or more for at least three consecutive days.
Though southern regions may come close to these levels, the short duration and regional variability mean no official heatwave will be declared this weekend.
General Forecast: Settled with Intermittent Showers
A high-pressure system from the Azores is bringing drier and brighter conditions to much of England and Wales, especially in the south.
However, northwestern regions, including parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland, may still see cloud cover and occasional rain. The weekend is expected to remain mostly calm and pleasant, without extreme heat.
What’s Ahead: August Could Bring the Heat
While this weekend may not deliver a heatwave, forecasts into early August suggest that temperatures could rise significantly, possibly hitting 31°C or more in southern and eastern parts of the UK. High pressure building over Europe could bring hotter and more settled conditions in the first half of the month, setting the stage for potential heatwaves.
Conclusion
The UK will enjoy a warm and largely pleasant weekend, especially in the south, but it won’t meet the criteria for a heatwave. Temperatures, while rising to summer-like levels, will fall short of the sustained heat needed. However, eyes are now on early August, when forecasts indicate a possible surge in temperatures, potentially bringing the summer’s first true heatwave conditions. Keep monitoring updates from the Met Office for the latest developments.
