Brits warned as UK heatwave will be ‘not normal’ with exact start date announced
The UK is set for a heatwave from 20 May 2026, according to forecasters, with temperatures expected to reach up to 29C — well above normal for this time of year

The incoming UK heatwave will be “well, above normal” according to meteorologists, as the nation prepares for DAYS of 29C or higher temperatures. The conditions are expected to intensify from Wednesday, May 20, and persist until early June.

Certain predictions indicate the UK might witness nine days of 25C or above readings, which are anticipated to culminate around 29C as the first scorching spell of summer approaches the country, after a chilly and lukewarm beginning to May.

The opening fortnight of May might have disappointed UK towns and cities, but the outlooks suggest sweltering conditions will arrive from midweek. Netweather, meanwhile, has forecast the UK faces sunshine “well above normal”.

Forecaster Netweather said: “Rainfall is forecast to be below normal almost everywhere, although it may end up near normal or locally above normal in parts of the south and south-west where thundery downpours contribute locally high totals.

“It may be relatively close to normal in north-west Scotland, but still likely falling below normal overall.”

“Sunshine totals are expected to be well above normal in most regions, with the only likely exceptions being parts of south-west England and some eastern coasts, where they may be near to slightly above normal.”

The climate will remain fairly arid and stable into early June, though with high pressure anticipated to shift westward from Britain, Netweather add. Aidan McGivern, from the Met Office, said: “We’ve been advertising warmer weather for later this week – but it’s not exactly warm or hot just yet.

“More unsettled weather will arrive initially this week, with some heavy downpours and in between sunny spells, it will turn cloudy.

“Temperatures will be higher – especially in western parts – but it won’t feel particularly pleasant. Courtesy of the low pressure, there will be more persistent and heavy spells of rain overnight.

“The rain turns heavy by midnight with a wind picking up and north east Scotland avoids it through the night, but it will be increasingly cloudy.

“A milder night with many places staying in double figures but it will be a wet start to Tuesday.”