Full Breakdown
Summer-Like Heat Briefly Returns to the UK Amid Widespread Drought
9/7/2026, 3:25:19 AM
A Brief Return of Summer Heat Across the UK
BBC weather forecasters note that a southerly wind will draw hot, humid air from continental Europe, pushing temperatures above seasonal averages. Across much of England and Wales, midday highs are expected to reach the mid-20s °C, with isolated spots potentially touching 28 °C (82 °F). The warmth follows a period of drought that now affects roughly two-thirds of England.
Regional Temperature Details
- South-east England: Forecast peaks of 27–28 °C.
- Central-southern England and the Welsh Marches: Mid-20s °C likely.
- South-west England and eastern Wales: Around 25 °C.
- Northern England: Low-20s °C.
- Northern Ireland (eastern areas) and eastern Scotland (Moray Firth): Afternoon highs near 21–22 °C.
- Western Scotland: Unseasonably blustery, with gusts of 40–45 mph, followed by the southerly flow that raises temperatures later in the day.
Upcoming Low-Pressure System and Rainfall
A low-pressure area will approach north-west Scotland on Sunday, bringing heavy rain to that region and showers further south in the morning. By Monday, coastal gales are possible for north-west Scotland, while the low will drive a series of weather fronts across the UK. Showery outbreaks are expected to move west-to-east, delivering rain that should end the brief heat spell. Behind the cold front, temperatures are projected to fall by Tuesday, with a cooler, more settled pattern returning on Wednesday under a brief ridge of high pressure.
Context: Drought and European Heat
The UK heat occurs while drought conditions persist across much of England. Simultaneously, central and southern Europe are experiencing intense heatwaves, with locations in Spain and France exceeding 40 °C and some spots in Spain reaching 45.7 °C. High pressure over the continent has been funneling this hot air southward, amplifying the UK temperature rise.
Outlook for Early September
Average early-September temperatures in the UK normally range from 15 °C in the north to 21 °C in the south. The current warm spell is expected to be short-lived; as high pressure retreats eastward, the incoming low-pressure system will usher in rain and cooler conditions, returning the country to more typical early-autumn weather.
