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Live forecasts update automatically; written guidance last reviewed 16 June 2026 by the Metro Report weather desk. Data from national met services via Open-Meteo.
London is under an official heatwave after three consecutive days above 28°C, with temperatures in the capital peaking at 32°C on Thursday afternoon before a thundery breakdown arrives from the west this weekend.
How hot will it get in London today?
Temperatures across Greater London will reach a high of 32°C on Thursday, making it the hottest day of the current spell. Central London, the City and areas close to the Thames will feel several degrees warmer due to the urban heat island effect. The heat in London today is being driven by a plume of warm air from southern Europe, and the Met Office has issued a yellow heat-health alert for the capital and surrounding counties.
When will the London heat wave 2023 break?
A cold front pushing in from the Atlantic will trigger heavy, thundery downpours late on Friday and into Saturday. Temperatures will drop sharply to around 22°C by Sunday, bringing an end to the heatwave uk 2023 conditions. The change will be abrupt, with a risk of localised flooding and gusty winds during the storms.
Is this a heatwave in London?
Yes. The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the threshold — 28°C in London. That has been met from Tuesday to Thursday.
How can I stay safe during the uk heatwave?
Stay hydrated, keep curtains closed during the day, and avoid strenuous activity between 11am and 3pm. Check on elderly neighbours and never leave children or pets in parked cars. For more tips, see the NHS heatwave advice.
Will the heatwave return next week?
Current models show cooler, unsettled weather for the start of next week, with temperatures returning to the low 20s. There is no signal for another prolonged hot spell in the immediate outlook for London.
Sources
For the latest conditions across the country, visit our UK weather hub or check the 10 Day Weather Forecast UK. For comparisons with other cities, see Birmingham Weather and Bristol Weather.