Why is it still so warm in the UK? Met Office predicts temperatures could hit 26°C in late-September heatwave - as furious Brits plead 'please give us a break'

See more Daily Mail on Google - save us as a Preferred Source Published: 05:00 EDT, 22 September 2026 | Updated: 05:01 EDT, 22 September 2026 With the UK having just experienced its hottest summer on record, many Brits are desperate for a break from the relentless heat. But it's not time to replace your T-shirts and sandals with cosy jumpers and boots just yet – as another heatwave is on its way. The Met Office predicts that southern areas could reach 26C (79F) today, while people in the north can expect balmy highs of 22C (72F).The news hasn't gone down well among many Brits, who have taken to social media to express their confusion at the mild conditions. 'Why is it so hot in the UK today? I'm boiling. I feel like I'm being fried like a flipping pancake,' one user vented on TikTok. Another added: 'Please give us a break. I just don't like sweating – and I'm sticky and sweaty all the time.' The Met Office predicts that southern areas could reach 26°C today, while people in the north can expect balmy highs of 22°CThe news hasn't gone down well among many Brits, who have taken to social media to express their confusion at the mild conditionsAccording to the Met Office, high pressure is to blame for the warm conditions this week. 'High pressure will be the dominant influence across much of the UK through the start of the week, bringing warm conditions and some sunshine for many areas,' it explained. While yesterday was dry, warm and sunny across much of the UK, today will see a cold front gradually move southeastwards across Scotland and Northern Ireland.Many areas will have a mix of cloud and brighter spells, while rain is expected to arrive in the north-west of Scotland and Northern Ireland later in the day.However, if you live in the south, it's time to bring out the sunscreen. Temperatures could reach 25C (77F), with a potential maximum of 26C (79F), according to the Met Office. 'The forecast becomes more changeable from Wednesday as a series of weather fronts move across the UK,' said Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tony Wisson.'There remains some uncertainty over the exact track of a frontal system on Wednesday which could bring a spell of heavy rain, particularly across eastern and southeastern Scotland, and potentially parts of northern and northeastern England.With autumn set to begin tomorrow (according to the astronomical calendar), many Brits have flocked to social media to question the weather'We're closely monitoring this development and would encourage people to keep up to date with the latest forecasts over the coming days. It's likely that many southern areas will remain largely dry.'It's set to be a notably chilly night on Wednesday into Thursday, with a chance of localised air frost in some rural locations, as cooler air moves in from the northwest.'Thursday should bring long sunny spells for much of England and Wales, though we're also monitoring the potential for strong winds to affect the far northwest of the UK. Temperatures in London may reach around 22°C, but another cool night is likely to follow in the south.'With watchpoints ahead this week, it's a good idea to keep an eye on the forecast as the week goes on.'With autumn set to begin tomorrow (according to the astronomical calendar), many Brits have flocked to social media to question the weather. 'Guys is it just me or does this September feel warmer than usual? Like the forecast is 18-20 degrees for the next 10 days as well?' one user said on TikTok. On X, another added: 'I would normally have been donning a warm jumper by now but thanks to climate change it's now forecast to be above 20c here in southern England right up until October.'And one joked: 'Ffs Just packed the summer attire away and got my thermals ready.'