Overview
- The Met Office says southern areas should reach about 25–26°C on Tuesday with the warmest conditions expected on Friday when London could hit around 26–27°C.
- Forecasters attribute the rise to a dominant high‑pressure pattern and a 'heat dome' effect that includes a plume of warmer air moving north from North Africa.
- Deputy chief forecaster Tony Wisson warns there is uncertainty over a frontal system due midweek that may bring heavy rain, cooler air and a return to changeable conditions.
- This late‑September spell follows the Met Office confirmation of the UK's hottest summer on record, which saw multiple heatwaves and drought impacts in some areas.
- Despite the mild weather and public surprise on social media, the forecast falls short of the Met Office heatwave threshold of 28°C for three consecutive days and people are advised to keep checking local forecasts as conditions may change.