UK weather: Is a September heatwave on the way?
The UK is set for a brief period of warmer, summer-like weather this weekend, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s Celsius in some areas. However, meteorologists confirm this does not meet the official criteria for a heatwave and cooler conditions are expected by midweek.
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Accurate weather reporting is essential for public planning and safety, especially during transitional seasonal periods.
Image source, Anadolu via Getty Images By Ben Rich Lead Weather Presenter Published 12 September 2026, 00:41 BST Temperatures are set to climb across the UK this weekend, reaching summerlike levels in some places.
It will feel warm and muggy - especially where there are sunny spells - although heavy rain also features in the forecast.
The warmth will persist into Monday in many areas but nowhere is expected to reach heatwave criteria and cooler conditions are due to return by midweek.
Computer weather models paint a very mixed picture for the second half of September but, while there are likely to be some warm spells, there are currently no definitive signs of a heatwave.
Outbreaks of rain will spread southwards during Saturday, clearing from Scotland and Northern Ireland but continuing into the afternoon across parts of northern England, Wales and the Midlands.
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