A significant shift in the UK’s weather is expected over the next 10 days, with the current spell of intense heat giving way to more typical, changeable summer conditions.
While the coming days will remain very hot for many, particularly across England and Wales, a transition to cooler and fresher air will gradually take place through the weekend and into next week.
Heatwave conditions continue in the short term
In the immediate forecast, high pressure remains dominant, allowing temperatures to climb to exceptional levels. Across parts of central and southern England, temperatures are widely expected to reach the mid-30s Celsius, with the potential for highs of 38 or even 39°C in some areas. These values place the UK close to record-breaking territory, highlighting the severity of this early summer heatwave.
Further north, conditions will also feel notably warm, with highs reaching the high 20s across northern England, southern Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, the far north of Scotland will be somewhat cooler, with some outbreaks of rain at times.
Humidity is also a key feature during this period, making it feel even hotter than the raw temperatures alone might suggest. The combination of heat and high humidity will lead to elevated heat index values across much of the UK, increasing the risk of impacts on health, infrastructure and transport.
The current spell of exceptionally hot and humid weather will gradually ease from the west on Friday and through the weekend
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 24, 2026
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Risk of thunderstorms as conditions begin to change
As the heat builds, there is an increasing likelihood of thunderstorms developing, particularly across southern and southwestern parts of the UK. These could bring frequent lightning, torrential downpours and locally strong winds, with gusts potentially reaching 60 to 65 mph.
By Friday, a gradual transition begins. Northern areas, including Scotland and Northern Ireland, will see more persistent rain at times, while much of England and Wales remains hot but starts to see slightly cooler conditions developing from the west. Temperatures will still reach the mid to high 30s in parts of eastern England, where the heat lingers longest.
Weekend brings a gradual breakdown of the heat
Into Saturday, fresher air continues to edge in from the west, bringing more cloud, breezier conditions and a scattering of showers, particularly across Scotland and Northern Ireland. However, eastern areas, especially southeast England, are likely to hold on to the heat for longer, with temperatures still reaching the low 30s Celsius.
By Sunday, a more marked change will be in place across the UK. The jet stream reasserts itself, allowing Atlantic weather systems to move in more freely. This brings a mix of sunshine and showers for many, along with breezier conditions and a noticeable drop in temperatures.
Temperatures on Sunday are expected to range from the high teens and low 20s across much of the UK, with around 27°C possible in the southeast. This will feel much more comfortable compared to the preceding days, particularly as humidity levels begin to fall.
READ MORE: Deep Dive: Why so hot and humid?
A return to more typical summer weather next week
Looking further ahead into next week, the overall pattern becomes more changeable. The jet stream remains active, steering low pressure systems towards the UK, particularly affecting northern and western areas with outbreaks of rain and showers at times.
At the same time, there may be some attempts for higher pressure to build from the southwest, bringing occasional drier and brighter spells, especially in the south. However, this is unlikely to fully dominate, and a north-south contrast is expected, with wetter and windier conditions more frequent further north.
This pattern represents a return to more typical UK summer conditions, with a mix of sunshine and showers rather than prolonged hot and settled weather.
Temperatures trending back towards average
Temperatures will fall back closer to average for the time of year as the new weather pattern becomes established. While there may still be some warm spells, particularly in the south, there is little sign of a widespread return to the extreme heat experienced in the short term.
Overall, the next 10 days will see a transition from intense heat and humidity to more balanced summer conditions, with fresher air, occasional rainfall, and a more variable outlook for all parts of the UK.
Keep up to date with weather warnings, and 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.
