UK braces for brief cool spell before heatwave returns

Saturday offers a brief pause from the intense heat gripping the UK, with cooler air expected to temper Friday's highs, which exceeded 30C in some regions. While south-east England might still see temperatures around 27-28C, most of the country will experience dry conditions with sunny spells. Isolated showers are possible, but widespread relief is limited.

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Saturday could provide momentary respite from the heat after sunshine lifted temperatures above 30C (86F) in parts of the UK on Friday.

An official heatwave declaration hinges on specific temperature thresholds being met for three consecutive days. Parts of south-east England have already recorded two days above this mark, making Saturday a potential trigger. However, maximum temperatures might fall just short of the required highs. Cooler conditions are expected in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and Wales, with highs ranging from 16-24C.

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Fresher air pushing in from the west should suppress temperatures - although highs of 27 or 28C (81-82F) are still expected in south-east England.

Despite the uncertainty of an official heatwave, temperatures are set to climb again on Sunday. Sunny spells are anticipated across most areas, with highs potentially reaching 27-31C in the Midlands, Wales, and southern England. Northern England could see 23-24C, while Scotland and Northern Ireland will be cooler, around 20-22C. High UV and pollen levels are also forecast for many locations.

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For a hot spell to officially become a heatwave, temperatures must exceed a threshold - which varies from 25-28C (77-82F) in different parts of the country - for three consecutive days.

The Met Office has issued an amber warning for extreme heat, effective from Monday morning through Tuesday night for much of southern and eastern England and parts of south Wales. Temperatures are expected to peak at 34-35C in south-east England. This period is highly likely to trigger an official heatwave declaration in some areas. The combination of hot days and tropical nights, with overnight temperatures potentially staying above 20C, poses risks to health, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable. The UK Health Security Agency has already issued heat health alerts, warning of potential sunstroke and heat exhaustion even in younger individuals. Disruptions to travel networks and power supplies are also anticipated.

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There will be tropical nights in some locations where overnight temperatures are expected to remain above 20C (68F).