A brief but noticeable mini heatwave is set to ignite warmth across the UK this weekend, as temperatures climb well above seasonal averages. The latest weather maps forecast that London will experience its peak temperature of 24°C around 4 pm on Saturday, marking the warmest spot in the country.
In Gloucestershire, residents can expect temperatures to reach up to 21°C at the same time on Saturday, though there is a potential for thunderstorms in the wider South West region. Other areas such as Cornwall, Northern Ireland, and parts of southern Scotland will enjoy milder warmth around 17°C, with Wales seeing pleasant temperatures near 18°C. Central and northern England are set to hover around 20°C, while northern Scotland will experience cooler conditions between 13°C and 14°C.
According to WXCharts, by 6 pm Saturday, temperatures will soar above the average for this time of year, with London basking in the warmest conditions. BBC Weather presenter Ben Rich notes that while Friday will bring dry weather and sunny spells, a new weather system will introduce clouds and some rain from the west. “Friday could be a warm day with temperatures ranging from 17°C to 24°C as high pressure holds across the south and southeast, though low pressure moving in from the northwest will create a mixed forecast for Saturday,” he said.
Saturday’s weather will be more unsettled, with showers or longer spells of rain predicted especially in northern and western areas. Meanwhile, southern and eastern parts are more likely to stay dry and sunny, enjoying warm temperatures between 16°C and 24°C.
Looking ahead, temperatures will dip slightly midweek, with highs of 18°C on Wednesday and Thursday, increasing back to around 20°C on Friday. Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell highlights the potential for low 20s temperatures in the south by the week’s end, accompanied by drier and more settled conditions in southern England and Wales.
From Sunday, June 1, the forecast calls for continued unpredictability: spells of rain and strong winds in the northwest, contrasting with drier periods in southern regions. The long-range outlook for early June suggests temperatures will generally stay around or modestly above normal, though cooler weather may arrive during extended rainfall. There remains a possibility of very warm or even hot conditions developing later in the period, particularly in the south, with an associated risk of thunderstorms.
Daily Highlights:
- Wednesday: A mix of clouds and occasional sunshine with light morning showers easing to bright spells. Warmer with a high of 20°C and light winds.
- Wednesday night: Dry early evening, followed by increasing cloud and heavy rain moving northeast overnight with strengthening winds. Low of 10°C.
- Thursday: Cloudy with patchy drizzle mainly over moorlands, some brighter breaks possible. Breezy and humid, max temperature 22°C.
- Friday to Sunday: Possible patchy rain or showers, but mostly dry with sunny spells. Thunderstorms could occur on Saturday; temperatures rising and conditions breezy.