Britain is bracing for a hot weekend as the weather heats up, with temperatures expected to climb past 30°C in southern and south-eastern regions. After a cooler start to June, the sun is finally making a proper appearance, but this wave of heat won’t feel quite like the one we experienced in May. Higher humidity and milder nights will make the warmth feel heavier, giving a slightly muggy edge to summer’s return.
Why the Weather Is Improving
After two weeks dominated by low-pressure systems rolling in from the Atlantic, high pressure is starting to assert itself from the south. This shift is pushing away the cooler, fresher air that has made early June feel unsettled and rainy. As the high pressure stabilizes, southern parts of England and Wales will be the first to feel the difference, with drier, sunnier conditions taking over.
Expected Temperatures Across the UK
Temperatures are set to rise steadily through the end of the week. By Friday, many locations will see highs of around 26–27°C, increasing to 28°C on Saturday and peaking between 29–30°C. Next week, southern and south-eastern areas could push slightly beyond 30°C, reports Met Office. Northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland, however, are expected to remain more comfortable, with lower humidity and slightly cooler highs.
How This Heat Feels Different from May
Unlike May’s record-breaking, dry heat, this weekend’s weather will come with higher humidity. Warm air is being drawn in from the continent, creating a more muggy or sticky atmosphere, especially in the south. Nighttime temperatures will also be warmer, making evenings feel stuffier than the crisp nights we had during the late-spring heatwave. The combination of warm days and mild nights means the heat will be persistent, rather than sharp and dry.
What You Can Do to Stay Comfortable
Experts recommend staying hydrated, limiting outdoor exercise during peak heat hours, and using fans or air conditioning if possible. Keeping curtains and blinds closed during the day can help reduce indoor temperatures. People in the south may want to plan outdoor activities earlier in the day or in shaded areas to avoid the muggy mid-afternoon conditions.
The high-pressure system is likely to dominate southern England and Wales for the weekend, but as always, weather in the UK can be unpredictable. Northern regions will continue to enjoy slightly more moderate conditions, providing a welcome break from the sticky heat further south. Overall, while the thermometer might read high, the added humidity will make this summer warmth feel quite different from the dry, record-breaking May heat.
