London heatwave: UK temperatures to hit 29C this weekend as UK temperatures warmer than Athens and Ibiza World News

London and much of southern England are about to experience the first major heatwave of 2026, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 29C over the bank holiday weekend.After days of cold winds, heavy rain and thunderstorms, forecasters say a drastic change is coming. A warm spell is expected to begin on Friday and continue into Monday, bringing sunshine, dry conditions and some of the hottest temperatures so far this year.The sudden rise in temperatures means parts of the UK are likely to be hotter than Athens, Ibiza and even parts of Greece and Spain over the holiday weekend.

London heatwave all weekend

Temperatures in London and south-east England are expected to remain between 27C and 29C from Friday to bank holiday Monday, according to the Met Office. From a meteorological point of view, if the temperature in London remains above the city’s official limit of 28 degrees Celsius for three consecutive days, this will constitute a heat wave in London.The warmest weather is expected in parts of London, Kent, Essex, Cambridgeshire and East Anglia. Temperatures could even briefly reach 30 degrees Celsius in some inland areas, making it the hottest weather so far this year.Forecasters said high pressure from the south was driving the heat after a week dominated by Arctic air, rain and unsettled weather. The change is expected to bring milder winds, clearer skies and longer periods of sunshine to much of England and Wales.The Met Office also noted that while southern and eastern England will enjoy the best sunshine, occasional clouds and showers are still possible in northern and western areas.

Britain gets hotter than Greece

The UK could temporarily become warmer than parts of southern Europe over the bank holiday, weather experts say.Forecasts suggest temperatures could be around 25C in Athens, while temperatures in London and parts of southeast England could be closer to 28 to 29C. Ibiza and Barcelona are expected to remain cooler than parts of the UK during warmer periods.The timing of the heatwave is likely to cause overcrowding in parks, beaches and beer gardens across the capital. Tour operators, seaside resorts and the hospitality industry are also expected to benefit from a sudden burst of summer weather after an unusually cold and wet May.Reactions are already starting to pour in on social media, with many Londoners celebrating the return of sunshine, while others are complaining about sleepless nights, overheated apartments and crowded tube journeys. One viral discussion on Reddit described the upcoming weekend as “unparalleled sunny bank holiday vibes”, while another joked that Brits had “already turned down the heating from May to 30C”.

authorities issue alert

The warmer weather has also prompted health officials to issue heat health warnings for several areas of England ahead of the weekend. England’s Health and Safety Executive has warned that rising temperatures could affect older people, young children and people with existing health conditions.Experts advise residents to stay hydrated, avoid direct afternoon sun when possible, and check on vulnerable relatives or neighbors during the hottest times of the day.Although the weather is expected to have a decidedly summery feel to it, forecasters have warned that weather conditions in the UK in May can still change quickly. The Met Office has warned that the chance of isolated thunderstorms later in the weekend remains low, particularly in the west.Still, it’s shaping up to be one of the warmest and sunniest May bank holiday weekends for years for millions of people planning outdoor activities, barbecues, staycations or trips to the coast.

Will this be the hottest Sunday in the UK?

Historical Met Office data shows that the UK’s hottest ever May bank holiday weekend was 28.7 degrees Celsius, measured in Northolt, west London, in 2018. Forecasters say temperatures could approach those levels this weekend, with some models even suggesting highs of 30C.If temperatures exceed 29.4C, it will be the UK’s hottest May day since 2012.Now, meteorologists say there is growing confidence that much of southern England will experience several days of unusually warm late spring weather, a dramatic turn after days of below-average temperatures in many parts of the country.