Overview

• Construction Megastore analysts combined Met Office historical records with current forecasts to publish recommended dates for every major UK city.
• Experts advise turning heating on once daytime temperatures consistently stay below 15C, reflecting NHS guidance on health risks for older and vulnerable people.
• Regional variation is clear, with earlier dates in Scotland and northern cities and later starts in the South.
• Example dates include Glasgow on 23 September, Cardiff on 6 October, Newcastle-upon-Tyne on 7 October, Leeds on 10 October and Birmingham on 15 October, with London likely later in October.
• Households are urged to run boiler checks after the summer and use low-cost efficiency steps such as sealing drafts, lowering the thermostat by 1–2C, using curtains at night and heating lived-in rooms, noting that insulation and occupant needs may warrant earlier heating.