Exceptional heat remains a key feature of the UK’s weather as we head into the weekend, though there are increasing signs of a gradual change.
While very high temperatures and humidity continue to affect parts of the country, fresher air will begin to push in from the west, bringing more comfortable conditions for many by the time we reach Sunday.
Friday: intense heat and thundery conditions
Friday sets the scene with a continuation of very hot air across much of the UK. Temperatures across central and eastern areas could reach the mid to high 30s, potentially peaking around 36°C to 38°C in some locations.
This heat is accompanied by high humidity, particularly across the southeast, where a red extreme heat warning remains in place. Amber warnings also extend across parts of the Midlands, northern England and eastern regions, reflecting the ongoing impacts of prolonged hot weather.
Alongside the heat, there is an increasing risk of thunderstorms. Pulses of thundery rain will move northwards through England and Wales during the morning, while another system brings heavy, thundery rain to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Rainfall totals of 20–30mm in a short period, along with large hail and gusty winds, could lead to localised disruption.
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Further west, conditions begin to feel slightly fresher, with more cloud and a gentle breeze offering some relief compared to the intense heat further east.
Overnight, the heat lingers, particularly across eastern areas. Some locations may experience another ‘tropical night’, where temperatures remain above 20°C, making it difficult to cool down.
There is also the chance of a few heavy showers or thunderstorms moving up from the near continent into southeast England by Saturday morning, though these are expected to clear fairly quickly.
Saturday: a north-west to south-east split
By Saturday, a clearer divide develops across the UK. Northern and western areas will see more cloud, outbreaks of rain and a fresher feel, helped by a brisk breeze.
In contrast, much of England and Wales, particularly further south and east, will enjoy largely dry and sunny conditions. However, the lingering heat and humidity mean there is still a possibility of isolated showers drifting in from the south.
Temperatures, while lower than earlier in the week, remain high in the east, with values still reaching the low to mid-30s Celsius. Elsewhere, conditions will feel noticeably cooler, though still warm for many. An amber warning for heat remains in place over parts of east and southeast England until 9pm.
Despite the slight drop in temperatures, amber heat warnings remain in place for parts of eastern England due to the cumulative effects of the prolonged hot spell and retained heat in urban areas.
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As we move into Sunday, a weather system begins to push eastwards across the UK, bringing more cloud and outbreaks of rain along with it. Behind this front, fresher and more comfortable air spreads eastwards, marking a more notable change in conditions.
Overnight temperatures begin to fall compared to earlier in the week, though it may still feel warm and muggy in the east, with values in the high teens or low 20s Celsius.
Sunday: cooler and more changeable
Sunday morning starts largely cloudy for many, with the best of any early sunshine in parts of eastern England. Rain is more persistent across Scotland, where it may be heavy at times, while further south, bands of rain gradually move eastwards.
As the day progresses, some of this rain could become locally heavy or thundery, particularly as it reaches eastern areas where warmth and humidity remain.
However, for many parts of England and Wales, conditions will turn drier through the afternoon, albeit with more cloud and a fresher breeze.
Temperatures will be noticeably lower than earlier in the week, though still warm in the southeast, with values in the mid to possibly high 20s Celsius. With any sunshine, it should feel pleasantly warm rather than oppressive.
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