The UK is set for a return to summer weather after consecutive days of widespread downpours and milder conditions, as the Met Office forecasts temperatures of up to 24C this weekend in places.
Weekend Weather Improvement
The latter part of this week has consisted of non-stop rain and unseasonably low temperatures across much of the country, especially in Greater Manchester and surrounding areas. Thankfully, the national weather service says more 'hot' weather is on the way as high pressure builds across the country in the coming days. Forecasters predict conditions will improve significantly by Saturday, with temperatures climbing into the mid-20s in some regions.
According to Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Greg Wolverson, the shift in weather is being driven by a temporary northward movement of the jet stream, which is allowing a high-pressure system to push up from the south.
"This brings a drier and warmer weekend for many," Wolverson said. "Saturday will see a more settled day of weather across southern areas, with some sunny spells developing."
While southern areas are expected to see the best of the early weekend sunshine - with temperatures reaching 22°C to 23°C on Saturday - northern regions may experience a slower start. Forecasters note that parts of the north will likely endure cloud and occasional rain early Saturday before conditions improve later in the day.
Sunday and Beyond
By Sunday, dry weather and sunshine are expected to become widespread across the UK. Temperatures are forecast to hit the low 20s in western areas, while southern England could see the warmest conditions of the week, peaking at 23°C to 24°C.
The warmer weather is expected to linger into early next week before the high-pressure system drifts eastward, potentially allowing low-pressure systems to bring cloud and rain back to northern and western areas. However, because of a southerly wind component, temperatures are expected to stay above average for June, with the potential for locally hot conditions later in the week across central, southern, and eastern England.
Water Safety Warning
The sudden uptick in air temperatures has prompted water safety officials to issue urgent warnings to weekend beachgoers and swimmers. Experts emphasise that despite the warmer air, sea surface temperatures remain dangerously low, ranging from 9°C around Scotland to just 13°C in the southwest of England.
Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety and Education at the Royal Life Saving Society UK (RLSS UK), warned that cold water shock poses an immediate risk to anyone entering open water.
"The tragic volume of drownings over the half-term heatwave underscores that despite warmer air temperatures, open water remains dangerously cold – even for experienced swimmers," Jones said. "Cold water shock doesn't discriminate and makes you involuntarily gasp, potentially taking water into your lungs and starting the drowning process."
The RLSS UK is urging the public to swim only at lifeguarded locations, enter the water gradually, and keep children within arm's reach. The safety warning coincides with the launch of the organization's annual Drowning Prevention Week, which begins on Saturday.
