Nocturnal 
Londoners are being told to make the most of the sunshine, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 26C this week – but the warmth won’t last.
The Met Office says unseasonal warmth is being driven northwards, pushing highs into the mid-to-high 20s in eastern England, including the capital. It comes after what forecasters describe as a warmer than average September for most of the UK.
However, reports differ slightly on exactly when the peak temperature will land. The Evening Standard reported that Tuesday would bring “non-stop sunshine” and a top of 26C, followed by a washout Wednesday with an 80 per cent chance of rain through the late morning and afternoon. Yahoo News, meanwhile, reported that Wednesday would remain largely warm and dry, with just a small chance of a heavy afternoon shower, before temperatures reach 26C on Friday as high pressure settles over southern parts of the UK.
Whichever day proves the hottest, the message from forecasters is consistent: enjoy it while it lasts, because more unsettled conditions are on the way.
A week of “something for everyone”
The Met Office has described this week’s weather as having “something for everyone”, with a mixture of summer-like warmth, autumnal gales, heavy rain and even the possibility of some frost all on the cards in different parts of the country.
For London specifically, that means residents could see a mild evening with temperatures not dropping below 20C, followed by a spell of wind and rain that could catch commuters off guard if they leave the umbrella at home.
Despite the balmy feel, forecasters have been clear that this won’t be officially classed as a heatwave. That designation requires temperatures of at least 28C for three consecutive days, and this week’s forecast falls short of that threshold.
What happens after the warm spell
Thursday is expected to bring another bright day after a chilly start, with temperatures building through the afternoon. By Friday, cloud is set to increase even as the mercury climbs towards 26C, signalling that a change in conditions – including rain showers overnight – isn’t far behind.
Looking further ahead, the Met Office’s long-range forecast suggests the coming period will be drier than average overall, with lighter winds than usual. But it added that “some interludes of more unsettled weather and stronger winds are likely at times”, while temperatures are expected to remain warmer than the seasonal norm.
For now, Londoners have a narrow window to enjoy what could be one of the last proper tastes of summer this year before fully turning over to autumn.
As it stands, the safest bet for anyone heading out this week is to pack sunglasses and a raincoat – London’s weather looks set to deliver both before the weekend is out.
[{“name”: “Evening Standard on MSN”, “url”: “https://www.standard.co.uk/news/london/london-weather-26c-sting-commuters-b1298583.html”}, {“name”: “Yahoo News UK”, “url”: “https://uk.news.yahoo.com/london-weather-met-office-upgrades-160148542.html”}]
A sunny street scene in central London with people in summer clothing, ideally with a hint of clouds gathering in the background.
London’s set for one more blast of 26C sunshine this week – but the Met Office says rain and wind are following close behind.
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Weather story, low sensitivity – no tragedy or conflict content. Note the two sources give slightly different days for the 26C peak, flagged in the article.
[“Met Office weather forecast”, “London sunny weather”, “London rain commuters”, “London skyline autumn”, “people enjoying sunshine in London park”]
[“Confirm which day (Tuesday or Friday) the 26C peak actually occurred, as the Evening Standard and Yahoo News reports differ”, “Confirm exact rainfall probability and timing for Wednesday 30 September”, “Verify Met Office heatwave threshold figure (28C for three consecutive days) for the relevant London/eastern England region”]
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