This follows a cool and unsettled week, with showery conditions currently dominating much of the country.

Unsettled conditions continue

An unsettled regime will continue across the UK for much of the rest of the week, bringing a mix of brighter intervals and frequent showers on Wednesday. Some of these are expected to be heavy at times, with a chance of hail and thunder in places, whilst more widespread wet and windy weather is likely on Thursday.

Temperatures will remain below average overall, although the strength of the June sunshine between showers may provide a short-term boost, making conditions feel pleasant in more sheltered areas.

Warmer and drier conditions developing

As we head into the weekend the weather is expected to improve with a shift towards more settled conditions across the UK.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mark Sidaway said: “The weekend will see drier and more settled conditions, especially in the south, with temperatures feeling pleasant but not exceptionally warm for June. By Saturday, warmer conditions will develop for some, reaching the mid 20s, and Sunday will see warm conditions continue, reaching 25 to 26°C in the south.

“The start of next week is expected to remain warm, with Monday bringing another largely dry and warm day for most. Some uncertainty remains around the temperatures continuing further into next week, and the details will become clearer over the coming days.”

Staying safe

People heading to the coast should be mindful that sea surface temperatures are not as high as they would be in mid-summer. While seasonal warming is underway current sea surface temperatures range from approximately 9°C around Scotland to 13°C around the south west of the England.

Head of Water Safety & Education at Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), Ashley Jones, said: “The tragic volume of drownings over the half-term heatwave underscores that despite warmer air temperatures, open water remains dangerously cold – even for experienced swimmers. Cold water shock doesn’t discriminate and makes you involuntarily gasp, potentially taking water into your lungs and starting the drowning process.

“We are urging everyone who wants to enjoy water safely this weekend to seek a lifeguarded location wherever possible. Stop and think before getting into water by checking for dangers, such as strong currents or hidden hazards under the surface, wearing a well-fitted wetsuit and entering the cold water gradually. Stay together and always keep children within arm’s reach.

 “If someone gets into trouble, call 999. Stay out of the water yourself. Tell them to keep calm, to float on their back, and throw them something that floats, such as a football or plastic bottle.

“RLSS UK’s annual Drowning Prevention Week starts on 13 June, and we urge everyone to use and share our free, accessible water safety resources now to prevent further drowning tragedies and ensure everyone has a safe summer.”

You can find water safety advice on our website and in the refreshed Met Office app, now featuring a dedicated beach forecast with tide times, wave heights and sea-surface temperatures, as well as guidance on UV and pollen levels.

You can find the latest forecast on our website, on YouTube, by following us on X and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store. 

Stonehenge in the sunshine