UK set for 26C September heatwave 'hotter than Barcelona' within days

The maximum temperature in Barcelona tomorrow is predicted to be 24C, so the UK would be hotter than the Spanish city in an unusual turnaround.

The UK is braced for a mini September heatwave HOTTER than Barcelona. The maximum temperature in Barcelona tomorrow is predicted to be 24C, so the UK would be hotter than the Spanish city in an unusual turnaround.

The 26C highs are anticipated across September 19, as the UK roasts in an unseasonal warmth. Jim Dale, the founder of British Weather Services, said: "I think the peak of this mini heatwave will see 26C later in the week." He told the Express: "We had the complete opposite earlier this month, a few weeks ago when we had terrible weather."

The warm temperatures are "not unprecedented for this time of year", he said. Jim said: "September is seen as a new summer month and soon we might see October as an extension of summer, that’s the direction of travel.

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"Where we could regularly see temperatures in the early 20s in October, maybe even November, that would class as an Indian summer." Looking at tonight (Wednesday September 18), the Met Office said: "Low cloud building in from the east overnight for many central and southern areas. A clearer night for northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, where it will also be chilly with the odd mist and fog patch."

Its Thursday forecast added: "Cloud burning back to North Sea coasts, but possibly lingering in places. Mist and fog soon lifting. Mostly dry, warm with plenty of sunshine. Remaining breezy in the south." The outlook for Friday to Sunday explained: "Largely dry in the north with sunny spells. Showers or longer spells of rain edging in from the south from Friday, heavy with thunder possible. Warm in the sunshine."

Its early forecast for September 23 onwards adds: "Showers with the potential for some longer spells of rain, heavy and perhaps thundery at times, will affect parts of England and Wales at first, especially in the south but tending to ease away to the southeast by the end of Tuesday.

"Elsewhere, generally settled conditions prevailing, albeit with low cloud and drizzle along North Sea coasts in particular; away from here, most places will experience above average temperatures during this period. A short-lived quieter spell of weather is possible then possible, before a transition to a more unsettled, mobile westerly pattern is most likely by midweek and beyond, with spells of wind and rain in many areas, but perhaps interspersed with occasional drier and brighter interludes."