The final week of meteorological summer is set to bring a marked change in the weather across the UK.
After a relatively settled and sunny start to the week, low pressure is expected to move in from the south, bringing increasing humidity, warmer temperatures and a growing risk of heavy rain and thunderstorms.
While the details remain uncertain, current forecasts suggest the highest rainfall totals are most likely across parts of England, Wales and Northern Ireland, while north-west Scotland is expected to remain the driest part of the UK throughout much of the week.
A fine start before conditions change
Tuesday will offer another largely pleasant day for many. Aside from some showery rain developing across south-west England and South Wales, most areas can expect dry conditions with sunny spells. An easterly breeze will bring more cloud to north-eastern areas, with the chance of a few showers in eastern Scotland and north-east England.
Temperatures will begin to rise as warmer and more humid air moves northwards. Highs of 26 or 27°C are possible across parts of central and eastern England, although eastern coastal areas will feel somewhat fresher due to the onshore breeze.
Wednesday follows a similar pattern, with many northern areas staying largely dry while the risk of showers and thunderstorms gradually increases further south and west. A Yellow warning for Thunderstorms has been issued across a large area of England and Wales through the day. Plenty of places will still see some sunshine, but humidity levels will continue to build. Temperatures will again reach the mid to high twenties across parts of England and Wales.
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 25, 2026
Thunderstorm warning over parts of England and Wales.
Wednesday 0300 – 2200
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Heavy rain and thunderstorms could develop
As we move into Thursday, confidence decreases in the precise details, but there is increasing potential for some very heavy and persistent rainfall. Low pressure is expected to edge further north and east, bringing widespread opportunities for showers and thunderstorms, particularly across England and Wales. A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued for Thursday, 6am until 10pm.
Some locations could see 30 to 40mm of rain falling in a relatively short period of time. This raises the possibility of surface water flooding, especially where heavy downpours coincide with already hard, dry ground. Thunderstorms could also bring lightning and hail in some areas.
⚠️ Yellow weather warning issued ⚠️
— Met Office (@metoffice) August 25, 2026
Thunderstorms across parts of England and Wales
Thursday 06:00 – 22:00
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Not everywhere will be wet, however. Away from the heaviest showers there should still be some brighter spells, and it will remain warm and humid for many. Thursday is currently expected to be the hottest day of the week, with temperatures reaching around 28°C in parts of southern and eastern England.
Uncertainty continues into Friday
The weather remains uncertain on Friday as the low-pressure system moves north-eastwards across the UK. Current indications suggest the most persistent and heaviest rainfall could affect northern and eastern parts of England, although the exact location of the wettest weather may still change.
Where thunderstorms develop, rainfall could be intense and prolonged, increasing the risk of localised flooding. Further south and west, there will likely be a mixture of sunny spells, showers and occasional heavy downpours, accompanied by some brisk winds.
By contrast, Northern Ireland and western Scotland are expected to see some of the best conditions, with lighter winds, plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the high teens to low twenties.
READ MORE: Weekly weather quiz August 21: Test your knowledge!
Bank Holiday outlook
Looking ahead to the Bank Holiday weekend, another area of low pressure is forecast to approach from the Atlantic. There may be a brief respite from the unsettled conditions early on Saturday, but further spells of rain and showers are likely to develop as the weekend progresses. North-western areas currently appear most likely to experience the driest conditions.
Overall, the week ahead will bring a transition from late-summer sunshine to a more unsettled pattern. While many areas will enjoy warm and humid conditions, there is also the potential for heavy rain, thunderstorms and localised flooding, making it worthwhile keeping up to date with the latest forecast as details become clearer.
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.
