After a prolonged spell of hot and dry weather, temperatures will ease back a little this weekend.
However, for those hoping for widespread rainfall, there is little sign of any significant change, with high pressure continuing to dominate the UK's weather.
High pressure remains in control
A large area of high pressure positioned to the west of the UK will remain the key driver of the weather through the weekend. With winds circulating clockwise around the high, a northerly airflow will develop across the country, bringing slightly cooler air southwards.
This northerly breeze has already been bringing cloud into eastern areas from the North Sea, and that trend will continue through Saturday. Northern Scotland may see some thicker cloud with patchy drizzle at times, while a few isolated showers could develop elsewhere, particularly around northwest England, Wales and southwest England. Even so, any rainfall is expected to be light and localised, with most places remaining dry.
Saturday: Plenty of dry weather and sunny spells
Although cloud will spread across some regions during Saturday, many areas will still enjoy decent spells of sunshine. The best of the sunshine is likely across western Scotland, the south coast of Wales and much of southern England.
Temperatures will not be as high as those experienced recently, but it will still feel warm in the sunshine. Highs should generally reach the mid-20s Celsius in southern areas. Elsewhere, temperatures will be lower, with parts of Northern Ireland and western Scotland seeing values around 18–19°C, while some eastern coastal locations remain in the high teens due to the onshore breeze. Many places will be around 3–5°C cooler than earlier in the week.
During Saturday evening, there remains a slight chance of an isolated shower across parts of Wales, the Midlands and southwest England, but most areas will enjoy a fine and dry end to the day.
As winds ease inland on Saturday night and skies clear, temperatures will fall away quickly. Many rural areas are expected to drop into single figures, while towns and cities generally hold at around 11 or 12°C. Parts of Scotland could see particularly fresh conditions by dawn on Sunday.
Whilst the heat is starting to ease for many and this weekend will be less hot, the strength of the sunshine is unrelated to the temperature🌡️
— Met Office (@metoffice) July 16, 2026
UV levels will be high or very high in the coming days, so remember to protect your skin and seek shade through the midday hours☀️😎 pic.twitter.com/eAIX1nRK3B
Sunday: Dry, bright and pleasant
Sunday brings another largely settled day. High pressure remains firmly in place and, if anything, edges a little closer to the UK. While some cloud may continue to affect eastern parts of England from time to time, most areas will enjoy a good deal of sunshine and light winds. Later in the day, thicker cloud may begin to arrive across northern areas, but conditions should remain predominantly dry.
Temperatures on Sunday will be similar to Saturday's, perhaps a degree or so higher in some places. Across southern parts of the UK, temperatures are likely to reach the low to mid-20s Celsius, making for a pleasant summer's day. Coastal areas exposed to the North Sea breeze will continue to feel somewhat fresher.
READ MORE: Pollen forecast: Elevated levels remain over the next 5 days
Be WeatherReady around water
If you're planning to make the most of the warm weather by heading to the beach, open water swimming spot, river or lake, it's important to remember that water can present hidden dangers, even on sunny days.
Being WeatherReady means not only checking the latest forecast, but also understanding the conditions you'll face once you arrive. Cold water remains a serious risk throughout the year, and entering water unexpectedly can trigger cold water shock, which affects breathing and swimming ability.
Before heading out, check the weather forecast, tide times and water conditions, and avoid entering the water during strong winds, thunderstorms or rough conditions.
Whenever possible, choose a lifeguarded beach or supervised open water venue, and always pay attention to local signs and safety flags. If you're swimming in the sea, stay between the red and yellow flags and be aware of hazards such as rip currents, which can quickly carry even strong swimmers away from shore. If caught in a rip current, don't fight it; instead, try to float, swim parallel to the shore if possible, and raise an arm for help.
The Water Safety Code encourages everyone to stop and think, spot the dangers, stay together and know what to do in an emergency. Never swim alone, let someone know where you're going, and consider wearing appropriate equipment such as a wetsuit or tow float when open water swimming.
Samantha Hughes is the National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI. She said: “If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink, everyone floats differently.
“Where possible, always choose a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags. In a coastal emergency remember to call 999 for the coastguard.”
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