Temperatures are set to climb across the UK this weekend, and the Met Office says some places could reach the mid-20s Celsius. The forecast also brings a catch: no area is expected to meet heatwave criteria, even with warm, muggy conditions in sunnier spells.
During Saturday, outbreaks of rain will spread southwards, clearing from Scotland and Northern Ireland but continuing into the afternoon across parts of northern England, Wales and the Midlands. Some of that rain could be heavy, with thunder and lightning, while brisk south-westerly winds move with it.
Saturday weather across the UK
Southern parts of England should stay largely dry on Saturday with sunny intervals, and temperatures there could climb into the mid-20s Celsius. Typical mid-September temperatures range from 14C in northern Scotland to 19C in south-east England, so the warmest parts of the forecast sit above the seasonal average.
The spread will be uneven. Rain may linger for a while in southern England on Sunday, but a drier afternoon is expected for much of the UK. Parts of Wales, the Midlands and southern England could reach 23-25C, keeping the warm spell going into the second day of the weekend.
Sunday and Monday warmth
On Monday, the warmth broadens again. Temperatures could reach 22-26C across much of England and Wales, while parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could reach 20C. That is enough for many people to feel a late-season lift, but it still stays below the threshold needed for a heatwave.
The Met Office says heatwave criteria require three consecutive days above 25C in Scotland and Northern Ireland and above 28C in the London area. With Monday still below those levels, the warm spell looks brief rather than exceptional.
Met Office outlook into midweek
Computer models suggest unsettled weather will continue over the next week or so, with the jet stream bringing areas of low pressure across the UK. That setup points to spells of rain and blustery winds before cooler conditions return by midweek.
Later in September, areas of high pressure may have more influence, bringing longer dry interludes and the chance of above-average daytime temperatures. For now, the practical reading is simple: plan for a warm weekend, but keep rain in view and do not count on heatwave conditions lasting.
