UK weather: Summer-like warmth to make brief return as temperatures near 28C

A brief return of summer-like conditions is expected in parts of the UK this Sunday, with temperatures potentially reaching as high as 28C (82F). This sudden warmth is due to a southerly airflow bringing hot and humid air from continental Europe, pushing temperatures above typical early September averages. Areas in the south-east of England are forecast to be among the hottest, with temperatures possibly hitting 27 to 28C, while much of England and Wales will see highs in the mid-20s Celsius. This warm spell coincides with ongoing extreme heat in central and southern Europe, where some locations have recorded temperatures exceeding 45C.

The source of this warm air is a high-pressure system developing over southern Europe, where parts of France and Spain have recently experienced intense heat. For example, Spain recorded its highest temperature of 2026 on Thursday, as Huelva in the south-west soared to 45.7C. This pattern is expected to persist into the weekend and early next week, with many regions in Spain continuing to see temperatures above 40C, including typically cooler areas like the Erbo valley in the north. Southern France is also under the influence of this heat, with places such as the Ardeche region experiencing temperatures in the high 30s Celsius and the possibility of localized peaks near 40C.

In the UK, the weather on Sunday will be influenced by an approaching low-pressure area moving toward north-west Scotland. This will bring heavy rain to northern Scotland and showers spreading further south during the morning. Western Scotland is set to encounter blustery conditions, with wind gusts reaching 40 to 45mph. As the day progresses, however, winds will shift to a more southerly direction, drawing in the warm, humid air from the continent. Combined with developing sunshine in England, Wales, and eastern Scotland, this will allow temperatures to rise to unusually high levels for the time of year.

The warm conditions will mainly affect south-east and central-southern England, as well as the Welsh border regions, with many places expected to experience afternoon temperatures in the mid-20s Celsius. Some locations might reach up to 28C, while south-west England and eastern Wales could see maximum temperatures around 25C. Northern England is forecast to have highs in the low 20s, with eastern Northern Ireland and parts of eastern Scotland, near the Moray Firth, reaching about 21 or 22C. Normally, early September temperatures range from 15 to 21C across the UK, from north to south. However, this warmth will be temporary. Following the eastward movement of high pressure, the incoming low-pressure system will usher in more fronts, increasing wind and rain, especially in north-west Scotland where coastal gales could develop by Monday. Temperatures are expected to drop by Tuesday, with a brief return of calmer, cooler conditions on Wednesday under a ridge of high pressure

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