Scotland is bracing for another heatwave as forecasters predict temperatures will drop this weekend before surging again next week. Areas around Inverness, including Elgin, could reach 27C, while Glasgow and Edinburgh are expected to see 25C.
Heatwave Respite Brief
The UK's third heatwave of 2026 is set to ease this weekend, but the respite may be short-lived. The Met Office anticipates peak temperatures of 30C or 31C through the remainder of the week, followed by a marked drop on Sunday, July 19, when highs of 25C are expected in southern England and 22C across northern regions, including Scotland.
Conditions will stay dry and settled into the weekend, according to the Met Office, albeit with increasing cloud amounts. While temperatures drop towards the seasonal average, forecasters still expect it to feel pleasant in the sunshine.
Temperature Surge Predicted
An uncomfortable heat could return, with the GFS weather model now predicting temperatures to surge back as high as 36C on the following weekend. The model suggests highs of 34C and 35C could appear on July 25 in western England, as well as 33C in Wales, 34C in the Midlands, and 34C in the south-east. On July 26, data shows highs of 36C for the east of England. Temperatures could also reach 34C or 35C as far north as South Yorkshire.
Most of the UK is shaded in orange and red in anomaly maps for that weekend, indicating temperatures will climb well above the seasonal average. In total, the GFS model maps show that nine counties, all in England, could see temperatures of 35C or above later this month: Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire.
Scotland's Outlook
Scotland is expected to remain slightly cooler than southern regions. Areas around Inverness, including Elgin, are expected to reach highs of 27C next weekend. The central belt is expected to hit highs of 25C, with both Edinburgh and Glasgow heating back up. Parts of the Scottish borders could reach as high as 28C.
Met Office Forecast
The Met Office also expects temperatures to remain above average as the UK heads towards the end of July. However, the national weather agency says there will be an increased chance of thunderstorms. The Met Office forecast for July 19 to July 28 states: "Towards the latter part of July, the influence of high pressure may wane somewhat, allowing a greater chance of rain, showers or thunderstorms compared to earlier in the month. Overall, temperatures are expected to remain above average during this period."
