UK could see 32C this week with heatwave - and warm weather may be here to stay

The UK is gearing up for a heatwave - and temperatures could hit highs of 32C (89F) on Friday.

A plume of warm air is being dragged in from Europe, with the mercury set to rise as the week progresses. Sky News weather forecaster Steff Gaulter says it is shaping up to be warm and settled across Britain and Ireland - and will be "pretty hot in the south".

She added: "The settled weather is then expected to stick around for the weekend, before being slowly eroded in the north. The south could cling onto the warm, dry weather for longer.

"The models aren't agreeing on exactly how long it will last, but some of the models are suggesting it could continue into July." Read more from Sky News:Mother-of-four dies in skydiving accidentCareer spy to become first woman to head MI6 Above-average temperatures will likely be welcome news for revellers at Glastonbury, with the festival set to kick off on 25 June. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is yet to issue any heat health alerts for the coming days, which indicate a higher risk to over-65s and people with pre-existing conditions.

The first such alert so far in 2025 was issued last week but expired on Sunday morning. More than 30,000 lightning strikes and heavy rain in some parts of the south east of England were reported on Friday night - leading to flooded roads, landslips and travel disruption.

The "vast majority" of the strikes were over the sea, experts said. Check the weather forecast where you are The Met Office recommends Britons stay cool and hydrated during heatwaves, and urges that people should keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm, when UV rays are strongest.

Walking in the shade, applying sunscreen and wearing a wide-brimmed hat is also recommended..