Temperatures in parts of the UK could reach 28C on Sunday, as a southerly wind draws in hot and humid air from continental Europe. This brief return of summer-like warmth is expected to push temperatures above average for early September.
The hottest locations are anticipated in south-east England, where temperatures could touch 27 or 28C. Across England and Wales more widely, temperatures are forecast to be in the mid-20s Celsius. South-west England and eastern Wales could see highs of 25C, while northern England may reach the low 20s Celsius. Eastern areas of Northern Ireland and around the Moray Firth in eastern Scotland could peak at approximately 21 or 22C.
The warm air originates from high pressure building in from the south, where parts of central and southern Europe have experienced intense heat, with some locations exceeding 45C. Spain, for example, saw its hottest day of 2026 on Thursday, with Huelva reaching 45.7C.
However, the warmth in the UK is expected to be short-lived. An area of low pressure approaching north-west Scotland will bring heavy rain there and showers further south through the morning. By Monday, showery outbreaks of rain will push west to east, and temperatures are forecast to be lower by Tuesday, with Wednesday expected to be cooler despite a brief ridge of high pressure.