Heatwave set to hit parts of UK this weekend as temperatures climb

Britons are set to bask in a heatwave this weekend, with some places hotter than parts of southern Europe.

Forecasters are expecting temperatures to soar to 32C in the south of the UK by Saturday – and most places will reach temperatures above the heatwave threshold by the weekend.

An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK.

In London – where the threshold is 28C – temperatures could peak at 29C on Thursday and 31C on Friday, before hitting 32C on Saturday.

The hot weather will then spread further north, with Manchester and Newcastle enjoying temperatures into the late 20s by the weekend.

Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said: “Temperatures rising through the week will be home-grown conditions, where we get quite sunny weather, elevating temperatures.

“But as we get nearer to the weekend, that will receive a boost as we start to import warmer air from the south of Europe.

“There will be a low pressure area to the west by the weekend and a high pressure one to the east. Those weather systems will funnel air between them and feed warmer air across the UK.”

The heatwave means some parts of the country will surpass temperatures in holiday hotspots such as Lisbon in Portugal and Barcelona in Spain, which are predicted to reach 29C on Saturday, and Nice, France, where it will be 30C.

Forecasters have warned some rain is still possible in parts by the end of the week, with localised, heavy showers forecast depending on how humid it gets.

Meanwhile, the London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires ahead of the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record.

Charlie Pugsley, deputy commissioner for operational policy, prevention and protection, said: “Extended periods of hot and dry weather can greatly increase the risk of a grass fire, and particularly when that grass is tinder dry the spread of fire can be rapid. We have seen examples of this in London as well as more recently worldwide, such as in California and South Korea.

“Last month, I wrote to the chief executives of each London local authority, outlining some key measures they can take, such as to create fire breaks, and to welcome the work that councils are already undertaking.”

A drought was declared by the Environment Agency across Yorkshire last week while the north-west of England entered drought status last month.

Published: 16/06/2025 by Radio NewsHub