UK weather records could be smashed as 29C mark may be broken this week (2025)

Highs of 29C forecast by the Met Office for Thursday this week could see the record for the hottest April, which dates back to 1949, broken as Brits enjoy a balmy stretch of spring weather

As many Brits enjoy the warmer weather that's been gracing us recently, things could be set to heat up even more, with record-breaking temperatures.

Temperatures are expected to remain in the 20s for much of the week, with highs forecast of up to 29C. The Met Office has forecast temperatures "quite widely into the high teens, with a maximum of 25C possible in the southeast" today, and things are set to get hotter. Tomorrow, conditions will be dry and sunny across much of the UK, according to the forecaster, "with perhaps some rain lingering in Scotland ", and highs of 26C, once again in the southeast.

The Met Office predicts that the warm weather will continue into Wednesday "with temperatures widely in the 20s", and reaching a maximum of 27C. But if you're looking to enjoy some sunbathing, or simply want to bask in a beer garden in the glorious sunshine, Thursday is the day for you.

"The warmest day of the week looks set to be Thursday, with temperatures potentially reaching 29C in the southeast", the forecaster said. This could mean that the 76-year record for the hottest April on record is broken if temperatures reach 29C.

According to the Met Office: "The highest recorded April temperature was way back in 1949 when Camden Square in London recorded 29.4C on April 16 and the highest May temperature recorded was 32.8C on May 22, 1922, again, in Camden Square in London. In Met Office temperature records, which go back to 1860, if we reach 30C this week it will be the earliest point in the year in which we have reached 30C."

Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: "Thursday looks set to be the warmest day of the week, with temperatures climbing notably above the seasonal average. Overnight temperatures will also be very high in places.

"It's possible national and station records for daytime and overnight temperatures may be broken, but it's unclear at this point whether heatwave criteria will be reached in some of the lower category areas which require temperatures to reach 25C or above for three consecutive days. The far north will always see cooler conditions, with these more seasonal temperatures likely spreading erratically south later in the week."

Sadly, the heat is not set to last, with the Met Office predicting temperatures to start falling from Friday. Their longer range forecast predicted: "Temperatures will start to fall from Friday, with the chance of some showers and thunderstorms developing, most likely in the south/southwest later on Thursday or overnight. There is then some uncertainty in the weather as we move towards the weekend, as an area of low pressure tries to move up from the south."

Many Brits will likely see this week as a chance to dust off their summer gear, get their swimwear on and go and find somewhere to cool off, potentially along the coast. However, the Met Office has warned that those looking to paddle or take a plunge off the British coast will be met with frigid waters, given the time of year.

Gareth Morrison, Head of Water Safety for the RNLI, said: "With the warm weather forecast this week, we want to remind everyone to stay safe when visiting the coast. Whilst the air temperature will be high, water temperature remains dangerously cold.

"If possible, choose a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags. If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live; tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. It's OK if your legs sink, we all float differently. In any coastal emergency, call 999 and ask for the Coastguard."

Pet owners have also been warned ahead of the hot weather to look out for their four-legged friends. Dr Elizabeth Mullineaux, President of the British Vetinary Association, said: "Like us, animals also struggle when temperatures soar.

"Each year, vets see pets suffering from heat-related problems and illnesses, such as heatstroke, breathing problems, burnt paw pads and sunburn. Remember, be sure your animals have access to fresh drinking water, good ventilation and shade from direct sunlight at all times in the summer."