Temperatures will drop in some regions of the UK this weekend, but a persistent heatwave continues, prompting heat health alerts across nearly all of England. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber and yellow alerts, effective until 21:00 BST on Sunday, due to ongoing high temperatures and dry conditions.
On Friday, temperatures exceeded 35°C, marking a record for the most days of 35°C or higher in a calendar year, bringing the total in 2026 to six days. As a result, five water companies have introduced hosepipe bans due to increased water demand and lack of rainfall, while authorities are warning of heightened wildfire risks.
Weekend Weather Forecast: Cooler Yet Hot
While parts of the UK will experience cooler weather this weekend, particularly near North Sea coasts, the heatwave will persist across many areas. The brisk north-easterly winds will lower temperatures to around 18-21°C in the north-east but will keep the western regions warmer, with highs ranging from 26-30°C. Some areas in south-east Wales and south-west England may even reach 31-33°C.
The Met Office cautions that the combination of high temperatures and dry conditions will create extreme wildfire conditions throughout England and Wales. A spokesperson from the National Fire Chiefs Council stated, "When the weather stays hot and dry, it only takes one spark to start a wildfire." This risk is particularly concerning as the weather remains hot and dry.
Future Heatwave Predictions and Hosepipe Bans
Despite the cooler temperatures this weekend, forecasts indicate that the heatwave will resume next week, with conditions potentially meeting heatwave criteria across more of the UK by Wednesday or Thursday. High pressure is expected to remain centered to the north, allowing warmer air from northern France to push back into southern England.
As a result, temperatures could climb back up to 32 or 33°C. Current predictions suggest that certain areas may experience temperatures of 30°C or more for up to 12 consecutive days, although this streak may end by next weekend. The hosepipe bans currently affect over five million people, including those in the east of England, Hampshire, and the Isle of Wight.
Rain Chances and Upcoming Weather Changes
While most areas will continue to experience dry conditions, there is a possibility of showers in the far south-west of England early next week. However, these showers are expected to dissipate as they move northward. Significant rainfall is not anticipated until the end of the week, primarily affecting southern regions, and may only be brief.
As high pressure builds from the Atlantic next weekend, cooler winds will return, but rain remains unlikely. The ongoing heatwave and associated hosepipe bans highlight the critical need for water conservation during this prolonged dry spell.
🤖 This article was rewritten by Feed and Figures' editorial AI from a report originally published by BBC News. Facts and quotes are preserved from the original; the rewrite focuses on clarity and structure. For the unedited original, see the source link below.
