The Met Office has indicated that the UK may experience its fourth heatwave of 2025 during the early part of next week, as temperatures are set to rise steadily from the weekend. Current projections suggest that Monday, August 11, and Tuesday, August 12, could bring conditions capable of meeting official heatwave thresholds in certain areas, particularly in the south and southeast.
According to Birmingham Mail, forecasts highlight the potential for daytime highs in the low 30s, with some locations possibly reaching the mid-30s. Meteorologists note that these temperatures would be significantly above the seasonal average for much of the country.
Official Outlook From the Met Office
In its latest update, the Met Office stated:
“As we move into the early part of next week, the weather story shifts towards rising temperatures and the potential for a heatwave for some, though the longevity is uncertain. High pressure remains anchored in the south, allowing warmer air to be drawn in from the near continent, where temperatures are currently very high for the time of year. This setup will lead to day-on-day heating across southern parts of the UK. By Monday and Tuesday, temperatures are expected to climb into the low 30s, with mid 30s not out of the question in isolated spots. The southeast is most likely to see the highest values, with Tuesday currently looking like the peak of the heat.”
The statement continued:
“However, the influx of hot air may also trigger some instability. There is a risk of heavy, possibly thundery showers developing across southern areas on Monday and Tuesday. These will be hit-and-miss in nature but could bring brief downpours and gusty winds. Northern areas are likely to remain closer to average for the time of year, with temperatures in the high teens or low 20s. The extent to which the heat spreads northwards remains uncertain, and confidence in the duration of the hot spell is still low.”
Heatwave Criteria and Thresholds
A heatwave in the UK is declared when an area records maximum daily temperatures meeting or exceeding the local heatwave threshold for at least three consecutive days. These thresholds differ across the UK, meaning that some areas could officially enter a heatwave while others remain just below the qualifying limit.
The Met Office notes that southern and southeastern England are currently the most likely to meet these thresholds between August 11 and 13.
While the south will bear the brunt of the heat, the north is forecast to see milder conditions, with highs in the high teens or low 20s Celsius. The incoming hot air mass, although capable of producing very warm and humid conditions, could also bring localised thundery showers. These are described as “hit-and-miss” and could result in brief downpours and gusty winds in affected areas.
