Ahead of the weekend, some warmth remains, particularly in the southeast, with peaks of 32°C possible on Thursday, before reducing to around 28°C on Friday as the influence of high pressure gradually wanes.  

While many areas will see sunny spells through Thursday, there is also the chance of scattered showers and a few thunderstorms as the pattern starts to shift. While thunderstorms remain possible in places, there will be reduction in the extent of lightning compared to the last couple of days. 

Thursday night, will continue to see some evening showers with a warm night, particularly in the east, however a noticeable cooler night compared to earlier in the week for many elsewhere. 

Heat eases as the weekend approaches

From Friday, temperatures will continue to ease and turn fresher as the hot spell breaks. Most will see a noticeable drop from the hottest conditions of recent days, but still above average for many, with the peaks of 28°C increasingly confined to the far southeast. 

Spells of rain will be seen across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland at first, before moving further north. Though some cloud and patchy rain linger in central and southern areas, much of England and Wales will turn brighter and drier through Friday.  

Met Office, Chief Forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “We’re now starting to see this spell of very hot weather break down. While parts of the southeast could still reach highs of 32°C on Thursday, many areas will begin to feel fresher conditions moving in through Friday and into the weekend as a weak cold front moves southeast and becomes more established across most of the UK by Saturday. 

“As the heat starts to ease, the weather will also turn more changeable, with some showers and thunderstorms possible. By the weekend, temperatures should be much closer to average for the time of year with accompanying rainfall for many through the weekend and into the start of next week” 

Changeable conditions continue into the weekend 

Into the weekend, conditions are expected to turn more changeable. After a brighter start for some on Saturday, especially in the east and southeast, cloud and outbreaks of rain are likely to spread from the west and move gradually eastwards.  

Rain will be heaviest in the northwest, while the southeast is expected to stay largely dry. Temperatures will be near average in the northwest, but will remain above average in the southeast. 

Sunday is expected to remain variable, with temperatures near average for most. There will be cloud and outbreaks of rain or showers, most frequent and heaviest in northern and western areas, while brighter spells develop in the east and southeast. 

This more changeable pattern is likely to continue into next week, with further spells of rain or showers moving across the UK but broken up with brighter intervals. Temperatures are expected to be closer to average than they have been in recent days.  

Impacts on water safety 

While the warmer weather is easing into the weekend, water safety remains a priority in the warmth of the next couple of days that lingers for some. 

Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety & Education at Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), said: “It’s important people don’t underestimate the risks associated with entering open water. Even during a heatwave, water will remain dangerously cold, and cold water shock is a very real danger. Sudden immersion can cause an involuntary gasp, rapid breathing and panic, which can quickly lead to a loss of control in the water - even for strong swimmers. 

"We’re urging the public to choose lifeguarded locations wherever possible, where safety measures and supervision are in place. If you are spending time near water with children, always supervise them closely, keep them within arm’s reach, and consider dressing them in brightly coloured swimwear to improve visibility. 

"Open water environments are very different from controlled swimming areas. There may be hidden hazards beneath the surface, strong currents, and colder temperatures that can seriously affect your ability to swim. It’s vital to respect your limits, avoid swimming alone, and talk to your family about water safety before you visit. 

"If you see someone in trouble, don’t be tempted to enter the water to rescue them. Instead, call 999, encourage them to float on their back, and throw something that floats to assist them. Taking simple precautions can help prevent tragedies and ensure everyone stays safe while enjoying the water during warmer weather.” 

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