TL;DR
Met Office Saturday forecasts predict temperatures of up to 33C in south-east England, with some UK cities potentially warmer than Athens and Madrid. Heat-health alerts continue and outdoor events should plan for high UV.
Met Office forecasts predict Saturday temperatures of up to 33C in south-east England, with some UK cities potentially warmer than Athens, Madrid and parts of the Greek coast. The forecast continues a week of unusual warmth, with heat-health alerts and sunscreen guidance applying across most of England.
Where the highest readings are forecast
London, the home counties and parts of the East of England are likely to see the highest temperatures, with a band of 30 to 33C running from Berkshire through Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Brighton, Eastbourne and other south coast resorts may see slightly cooler readings because of sea breezes.
The Midlands and East Anglia typically warm up most strongly under a stationary high pressure system. Coastal South Wales and Plymouth see temperatures in the high twenties, slightly lower than inland England.
Comparison with Mediterranean cities
Athens and Madrid typically sit in the high twenties at this point in the season, with cooler nights than the UK. The current UK heatwave puts inland England on a par with or above the Mediterranean for daytime maxima, although nights cool more slowly in southern Europe.
The contrast is partly because the UK is sitting under a persistent high pressure system while the Mediterranean weather pattern includes Atlantic frontal activity. UK heatwaves of this duration in May are rare in the long-term record.
Practical advice for the weekend
Apply SPF 30 or higher sunscreen at least every two hours during direct sun exposure. Stay hydrated, take shade between 11am and 3pm, and check on vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
Outdoor events from cricket matches to weddings should plan shade, water and rest areas. The Met Office UV forecast shows the index by region and supports event planning.
Travel and infrastructure
Rail networks can introduce speed restrictions when track temperatures rise to around 60C. Network Rail monitors temperatures continuously and may impose blanket speed restrictions on routes with vulnerable infrastructure.
Roads can also struggle, with surface bleeding and minor melting reported during recent heatwaves. National Highways monitors motorway surfaces and applies grit and dust to reduce skid risk during extreme heat.
How long the heatwave will last
Met Office forecasts indicate the heatwave will break early next week as cooler Atlantic air pushes in. Thunderstorms and heavy showers are possible during the transition, with the Met Office issuing yellow warnings ahead of the change.
Temperatures are expected to fall back to the high teens and low twenties from mid-next week. The transition can bring intense rainfall in short periods, with possible surface flooding in urban areas.
Key facts
- Saturday peak forecast 33C in south-east England.
- UK cities potentially warmer than Athens and Madrid.
- Heat-health alerts remain in place.
- Rail speed restrictions trigger at around 60C track temperature.
- Heatwave breaks early next week with thunderstorms.
FAQ
Where will the hottest temperatures be on Saturday?
London, the home counties and parts of the East of England, with a band of 30 to 33C running from Berkshire through Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Coastal areas may be slightly cooler because of sea breezes.
Is the UK really hotter than Greece?
For Saturday's daytime maxima, parts of inland England are likely to be warmer than Athens and Madrid. Mediterranean cities typically have warmer nights, so the comparison covers daytime peaks rather than 24-hour averages.
How long will the heat last?
The Met Office expects the heatwave to break early next week as Atlantic air pushes in. Thunderstorms and heavy showers are likely during the transition, with temperatures falling back to the high teens and low twenties.
Should I change weekend plans?
Outdoor events should plan shade, water and rest areas. UV is high so sunscreen and limiting direct exposure during the hottest part of the day are sensible. Vulnerable people should stay cool indoors as much as possible.
