UK Experiences Unseasonably Warm September, Highs of 26C Expected Next Week
Temperatures are forecast to remain above average throughout the weekend and into early next week, with a potential peak of 26C in London on Tuesday.
Britons can expect unseasonably warm weather this weekend, with temperatures potentially reaching 26C (79F) next week. Highs of around 21C (70F) were recorded on Saturday, and the Met Office predicts that temperatures will continue to be above average throughout the weekend.
Eastern parts of the United Kingdom are forecast to see highs of 24C (75F) on Sunday, while London could experience temperatures as high as 26C (79F) on Tuesday. However, some western areas may also experience wet weather, with the possibility of brief, intense rainfall.
Sunday is expected to begin largely dry and cloudy, becoming increasingly windy before heavy rain moves in from the west. Eastern regions may still benefit from warm, sunny spells. By Monday, the rain is predicted to clear, leaving a fine day with sunny intervals.
Tuesday is anticipated to be warm, though some areas may experience wind and further rain from the west. By Wednesday, the weather is expected to become fresher, with showers.
This late summer warmth follows what has been recorded as the nation's warmest summer on record. The Met Office attributes this week's heat to high pressure. The ongoing Super El Niño event, a stronger version of a naturally occurring phenomenon in the Pacific Ocean that influences global temperatures, is also expected to affect weather forecasts into next year.
Britain experienced five widespread heatwaves during late spring and summer, coupled with prolonged dry weather that placed significant strain on water supplies. By July 25, the country had already recorded more days exceeding 30C (86F) than in the entirety of summer 1976. By the end of the recent summer, the total number of days above 30C reached 33. Temperatures also surpassed 35C (95F) in May, June, July, and August, a first for the country.
Last summer's average temperature in Britain was 16.5C (61.7F), nearly 2C above the long-term average and surpassing the previous record set in 2025. England and Wales also recorded their warmest summers by mean temperature. This extreme heat was accompanied by exceptionally dry conditions. Environment Agency officials have indicated that above-average rainfall over the next seven months will be necessary for all areas to recover from drought conditions by spring.