The Met Office has confirmed that temperatures across the UK are set to rise again from this weekend, likely reaching highs of 28°C. This follows the May bank holiday heatwave, which saw a record-breaking 35.1°C at Kew Gardens in London, surpassing a national May record that had stood since 1944.
Return of Warmer Conditions
After the first heatwave of 2026, temperatures cooled to average levels. However, warmer conditions are now expected to return. Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Oliver stated: 'Over this weekend the weather will become drier and more settled as high pressure begins to build. It will turn warmer with temperatures above average for many. By Sunday, some parts of the south may reach 26°C to 28°C, although the exact values are still a little uncertain.'
This warm spell is predicted to persist into the start of next week, particularly in the south. However, there remains some uncertainty about how long it will last, with details becoming clearer over the coming days.
Unsettled Weather Before the Weekend
In the lead-up to the weekend, the UK will experience an 'unsettled regime' with a mix of sunshine and showers, along with a risk of thunder and hail. The forecast reads: 'An unsettled regime will persist across the UK for much of the week, bringing a mix of brighter intervals and frequent showers on Tuesday and Wednesday. Some of these are expected to be heavy at times, with a chance of hail and thunder in places, whilst more widespread wet and windy weather is likely on Thursday.'
Temperatures will remain below average overall, although the strength of June sunshine between showers may provide a short-term boost, making conditions feel pleasant in more sheltered areas.
Safety Advice and Long-Range Outlook
The Met Office has urged people to stay safe over the weekend, noting that sea surface temperatures are likely to range from 9°C to 13°C. Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesman, said: 'From the weekend, the forecast shows a return to more settled conditions for much of the UK. Temperatures in the North West are expected to reach 26°C and this spell is expected to last at least a few days. Whether the conditions reach heatwave thresholds is still in the balance.'
In the long-range forecast for June 14 to 23, the Met Office predicts: 'Fine and dry across much of the UK for the first couple of days of this period with long spells of sunshine for most. Temperatures are likely to be above normal and parts of the south could be very warm for a time. After this, high pressure will probably become more dominant with conditions turning widely dry and settled, and probably very warm for many.'
