UK and Ireland brace for heatwave with temps possibly topping 30 °C

The Met Office and meteorologists in Ireland warn that a sharp shift in the jet stream will bring a heatwave to the British Isles this weekend. Forecasts show temperatures climbing into the high 20s and potentially breaking the 30 °C barrier in southern England, with London expected to reach about 28 °C on Sunday. In Ireland, models from ECMWF and GFS indicate highs of 20‑23 °C for Sunday, a marked increase from the typical 13‑17 °C range.

Dan Stroud of the Met Office said, “We’re looking at temperatures climbing into the weekend, particularly on Saturday and Sunday, so feeling much warmer than recent days, with temperatures quite widely above average, especially across the south.” The change follows the record‑breaking heat of 26 May, when temperatures hit 35.1 °C in Kew Gardens and 32.9 °C in Cardiff. While unsettled rain and showers are expected through Friday, high pressure building from the south is set to clear skies and raise temperatures over the weekend.

Authorities note that the heat could meet official heatwave criteria again, prompting health advisories and the need for public preparedness as the region experiences another bout of unusually warm weather.