Met Office forecasts exactly when third UK heatwave of 2026 will finally end

Met Office forecasts exactly when third UK heatwave of 2026 will finally end Met Office weather forecasters say a shift in high pressure could lead to temperatures cooling off across the UK by the end of this week - bringing a much needed reprieve for many The Met Office expects temperatures in the UK to start cooling off by the end of this week as the third heatwave of 2026 comes to an end. Three scorching spells so far this year have brought record-breaking temperatures, leading to an increase in fires and ill health effects for many. But thankfully, forecasters expect a reprieve soon. In the Met Office’s latest Deep Dive weather forecast on YouTube, meteorologist Aidan McGivern explains that a shift in high pressure should mean that peak temperatures drop off on Saturday and Sunday. “High pressure, by the end of this week, is drifting towards the north-west, and that’s going to allow something a little fresher to recirculate around the high pressure,” he said. “Still above average temperatures for many, but by the time we get to Sunday those temperature anomalies are reducing. “So things are gradually cooling off for the rest of the week. It’s not going to be cold, neither is it going to be unsettled, but the high pressure is drifting into a position to allow something less hot to circulate around it. “We’re talking by Saturday and Sunday, temperatures in the mid to high-20s rather than the low-30s.” He explained the highest temperatures this weekend are expected in Wales and the south-west, with the lowest coming in the east and north. The Met Office forecast issued this morning predicts highs of 29C in southern areas on Saturday, with 24C highs in northern regions. For Sunday, those peak temperatures drop to 25C in the south and 22C in the north. BBC weather forecast BBC weather forecasters also expect temperatures to ease off towards the end of this week. They also say there’s a chance of some rain in places. The BBC forecast states: “Friday looks to become less warm, with variable cloud in the north and sunshine elsewhere. “Saturday is expected to bring more cloud, especially across northern and eastern areas. A few patches of light rain or drizzle are possible along the North Sea coast. “Sunday looks to be mostly dry with variable cloud, and a chance of the odd shower in western England.”