Temperatures in the UK could rise as high as 26C next week as a “heat dome” pushes warm conditions from North Africa into Europe.
The high-pressure dome will see temperatures soar to above average for September in the south of England, in a brief return to the hot and dry conditions that dominated the summer.
Scorching weather saw parts of the country endure as many as five heatwaves in the hottest summer on record, as parts of the country remain in drought as a consequence.
Forecasters said the UK could experience the final bout of sweltering weather for the year as warm air is pushed up from the subtropical Atlantic.
In a recent update, the Met Office said: “The change begins with developments over the Atlantic. A deep area of low pressure is expected to form well to the west of the UK. Although this system is not forecast to move directly across the country, it is likely to drag warmer air up from the continent and subtropical Atlantic.
“High pressure will then build across the UK alongside this warmer air during the latter part of the weekend and into next week. This would mean a transition to predominantly dry and bright conditions, with sunny spells becoming more widespread.”
It added: “The prospect of one final heatwave before the end of the month is certainly not out of the question,” it added.
However, the weather authority advised the warmer weather could also be cut short by the expected arrival of a colder front from the west, the timing of which remains uncertain.
After this, conditions are likely to become “changeable”, according to the Met Office’s longer-term forecast, “with spells of rain and showers interspersed with some short-lived spells of more settled weather and temperatures returning to near normal overall”.
Back-to-back heatwaves were experienced in the UK and most of Europe this year, bringing exceptionally dry conditions and severe threats to public health. Summer 2026 was the UK’s hottest on record, according to Met Office figures, with June, July and August showing a mean temperature of 16.5C.
What is a heat dome?
A heat dome develops due to a large area of high pressure establishing over a region and remaining for an extended period, the Met Office explained.
This high pressure causes air to sink through the atmosphere, compressing and warming it. The phenomenon also suppresses cloud formation, allowing strong sunshine to reach the ground.
The heat dome that developed over western Europe at the start of September saw temperatures exceed 40C in parts of Spain and Portugal, far above the seasonal norm.
While the dome has now begun to dissipate, lingering hot air in the region continues to see temperatures reach above average levels for September.
Met Office’s five-day UK weather forecast
Today
A cloudy start in the south with outbreaks of rain. Staying largely cloudy in southern England and Wales with rain at times. Sunny spells elsewhere and showers across Scotland. Another windy day but feeling warm in any sunshine.
Tonight
Staying cloudy and mild in the south tonight with a few outbreaks of rain possible. A fresher feel in the north with clear spells. Winds easing.
Sunday
Rain clears to the south by morning, leaving a drier and brighter day with lighter winds. A few showers continue in Scotland. Feeling pleasant in the sunshine.
Monday to Wednesday
Sunny spells on Monday and Tuesday, and turning warmer. A brief spell of rain moves into the north on Wednesday, but staying dry for many.
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