Met Office Predicts Date of UK Warm Weather Return
Following the UK’s fourth heatwave of the year, a period of cooler temperatures has followed. Despite the recent chill, the Met Office has projected a rebound in temperature. Just last week, temperatures in parts of the UK broke the 30°C mark during a heatwave that swept across Europe, causing severe wildfires in countries like Spain, Greece, and Portugal.
By the weekend, however, the sweltering weather eased in most regions of the UK, with temperatures dropping to the low 20s Celsius. But, the forecast indicates a change is on the horizon. The Met Office has utilized social media to update that “pleasant warmth” is anticipated in the UK in the days ahead.
The message emphasized, “High pressure will build up toward the weekend, bringing a largely settled outlook. Temperatures will slightly increase—not as extreme as the recent heat but expect some pleasant warmth.” They further advised staying informed with forecasts, especially in light of the upcoming bank holiday Monday.
The weekend national outlook suggests “reasonably fair weather for Bank Holiday Monday, with light winds and sunny spells prevailing.” In Greater Manchester, temperatures are expected to peak at 24°C and drop to around 12°C over the weekend, with minimal rainfall anticipated. Nottingham could see temperatures reach up to 25°C on Monday.
These changes come amidst revelations from the Met Office that indicate summer 2025 might be breaking records for heat, with average temperatures from June 1 to August 17 registering at 16.2°C. This figure stands a notable 1.6°C above the long-term meteorological norm.
One scientist from the Met Office explained, “This summer appears to be on track to rank among, if not become, the hottest summers since records began in 1884. What stands out is the persistent warmth, with both June and July exceeding average temperatures. Even outside major heatwaves, the warmth has been consistently above the norm.”
The scientist further elucidated that “this sustained warmth results from several factors, including the dry spring conditions, high-pressure systems, and unusually warm sea temperatures around the UK. These factors have fostered an environment conducive to swiftly accumulating and retaining heat. While no heat-level records have been shattered—35.8°C being the annual peak thus far—the overarching trend toward consistently above-average temperatures is significant.”
Historically, the warmest UK summers on record have been closely grouped. They include the warmest summer in 2018, followed by 2006, 2003, 2022, and 1976. With two weeks remaining in the season, changes could still occur. However, the current data indicates that the UK might be experiencing one of its hottest summers on record.
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