UK weather: Weekend cooldown will mark end of third heatwave for some

Temperatures are set to drop across the UK this weekend after a spell of intensely hot weather – marking an end to heatwave conditions for some.

Fresher northerly winds will cause readings to fall by several degrees in some locations, with a significant cooldown in store for parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.

However, it will continue to be warmer than average in much of the UK, including southern England where the heatwave threshold has now been met or exceeded for 12 consecutive days.

Despite the break from the heat, there is still no sign of significant rain in the forecast. High pressure will remain close to the UK at least into early next week, continuing the unusually dry and sunny month.

With high pressure centred to the west of the UK, a northerly wind will develop this weekend, causing temperatures to dip.

Maximum temperatures in northern Scotland will be up to seven degrees Celsius lower on Saturday than on Thursday, bringing an end to the heatwave.

North-west England will also see temperatures fall by five to six degrees Celsius from Thursday’s maximum, dropping to the low 20s by Saturday.