UK weather forecast: Wet and windy start to weekend before sun returns

The UK is bracing for a wet and windy start to the weekend before conditions settle into sunnier spells for most on Sunday.

The rain is set to offer a welcome change of pace following Met Office confirmation that summer 2026 was the UK’s hottest on record.

The average mean temperature between June and August reached a historic 16.5C, breaking the previous record set only last year.

Now, temperatures are expected to cool over the weekend, dropping to between 13C and 16C.

Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey explained: “Conditions are expected to turn more unsettled through the weekend as weather systems move in from the Atlantic.

“Saturday will see a band of rain move southeast across the UK, bringing some wet and locally windy conditions at times, particularly across northern and western areas.”

Tracking eastwards, these weekend showers are expected to move across the Midlands, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and East Anglia, before the start of a sunnier spell on Sunday.

But the wetter weather will not bring an end to drought in the country, experts have cautioned.

Prolonged heatwaves and dry stretches over the Summer left large parts of England and Wales in drought conditions — parching agricultural soils, depleting reservoirs, and prompting hosepipe bans.

At the peak of the August heatwave, almost three quarters of the UK were experiencing drought. The Environment Agency’s latest report indicates that there has been little change so far.

While rain over the weekend will help moisten topsoils, more significant and sustained winter downpours will be needed to replenish groundwater levels.

In the days ahead, forecasters expect a classic autumn mix of rain, wind, and sunshine as weather fronts sweep in from the west.

Scotland

Brisk winds and rain move across the region today, turning showery in the northwest later. After a finer Friday with showers mostly confined to the morning, Saturday brings a return of wet and windy conditions before drier weather arrives on Sunday.

Northern England

Rain and gusty breezes sweep eastward across the region today before clearing overnight to leave fine, sunny spells for Friday. Saturday sees another band of wet, windy weather push through, yielding to sunshine and scattered showers by Sunday.

Wales

Persistent rain clears eastwards overnight, paving the way for a bright Friday with pleasantly warm sunshine. A blustery wet front moves southeastward across the country on Saturday, clearing in time for a drier and calmer Sunday.

Southern England

Cloud builds today with patchy rain developing, but skies clear overnight. Friday will feel pleasantly warm with sunny spells. While Saturday night brings a spell of rain and wind, Sunday will offer the best of the weekend's dry, bright weather.

Northern Ireland

Brisk winds and heavy morning rain gradually give way to showery outbreaks in the west. Friday offers fine, dry weather before fresh Atlantic rain and winds arrive on Saturday, clearing to sunshine and showers on Sunday.