How hot does it have to be for a heatwave as London temperatures set to soar next week

Will the higher temperatures next week constitute a heatwave?

06:55, 14 May 2026Updated 07:00, 14 May 2026

After thunder and lightning yesterday (May 14) Londoners will be happy to know that the sunshine is forecast to make a comeback. The second half of next week is set to see temperatures climb as high as 25C.

And while, if the latest BBC Weather forecast is accurate, Friday to Sunday (April 22 to 24) will be hotter, some people are wondering if this will constitute a heatwave.

According to BBC Weather, for a heatwave temperatures must surpass a specific threshold for three consecutive days. That figure ranges from 25C across the north and west of the UK, rising to 28C in parts of the east, including London.

In other words, no, we’re not getting a heatwave, but the weather will certainly be pleasant.

The rest of this week isn’t shaping up great, unfortunately – more rain today (Thursday, May 14), with this continuing through Friday. There’s some respite on Saturday, but it returns on Sunday, along with some thunder and lightning.

Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are all balmy but wet, so best pack your umbrellas for work.

You can find the forecast down below (with temperature highs and lows in brackets):

Thursday, May 14 – light rain showers and a gentle breeze (13, 5)

Friday, May 15 – light rain showers and a gentle breeze (13, 5)

Saturday, May 16 – sunny intervals and a gentle breeze (15, 10)

Sunday, May 17 – thundery showers and a gentle breeze (15, 9)

Monday, May 18 – light rain and a gentle breeze (17, 11)

Tuesday, May 19 – light rain and a gentle breeze (18, 13)

Wednesday, May 20 – light rain showers and a gentle breeze (21, 11)

Thursday, May 21 – light clouds and light winds (23, 14)

Friday, May 22 – sunny intervals and light winds (25, 14)

Saturday, May 23 – sunny intervals and a gentle breeze (25, 14)