Weekend cooldown to mark end of heatwave for some
Weekend Cool Down Ends Heatwave in Key Regions
Weekend cooldown to mark end of heatwave - This weekend will bring a noticeable temperature drop across the UK, signaling the end of heatwave conditions in parts of the country. Northerly winds are expected to reduce warmth in regions like Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England, with some areas seeing a significant cooling. However, much of the UK will remain warmer than usual, particularly in southern England where the heatwave threshold has been met or surpassed for 12 straight days.
Cooling Trends Across the UK
Fresh air from the north will lead to a drop in temperatures, with northern Scotland likely to see up to seven degrees Celsius less on Saturday compared to Thursday. North-west England will also experience a five to six degree Celsius decline, bringing temperatures down to the low 20s by the weekend. While the Midlands, Wales, and southern England may find some respite, these areas will still hover above the heatwave threshold for several regions.
Despite the weekend's cooler weather, no substantial rainfall is anticipated. High pressure systems will linger near the UK into early next week, maintaining unusually dry and sunny conditions. This has resulted in prolonged droughts, with parts of south-east England, such as Wisley in Surrey and Herstmonceux in East Sussex, now experiencing nearly 30 days without rain. Other areas in the east and West Midlands have gone over 20 days without significant precipitation.
Climate Shifts and Drought Impact
The dry spell and rising water demand have triggered hosepipe bans affecting over eight million households in England. Wales and Northern Ireland are also grappling with drier-than-average conditions. Recent heatwaves in May and June are believed to have caused over 2,700 deaths in England and Wales, highlighting the severity of the climate extremes.
"Climate extremes are becoming the new normal in the UK," stated the Met Office in its 2025 state of the climate report. The report also noted that the hottest day in southern England is now 4.5C warmer than the 1961-1990 average, with northern areas experiencing temperatures previously typical of the south.
As the heatwave transitions, warmer weather is predicted to return swiftly. Most regions will stay dry, with increased sunshine. Lighter northerly winds will allow temperatures to rise again, potentially reaching 23C in Scotland and Northern Ireland, while southern England could rebound to 30C. The heatwave is expected to persist into its third week for parts of England and Wales.
How are you handling the heat? Share your experiences, photos, and tips for staying cool. Do you live in a high-rise flat, care for the elderly, or manage a business? Your insights could help others cope. Check if your area is under a hosepipe ban—what do you need to know about the restrictions and their impact?