Manchester temperatures to reach 26C this weekend amid talk of 'heatwave' - full Met Office weather forecast

Temperatures are set to rise through the low and mid 20s this week. The summer hasn’t been the best, but it at least looks like a good end is coming up.

Friday looks set to be the best day of the week, with bright sunshine and a high of 26C welcoming in the weekend. This jumps up from 19C from Thursday (September 5), which was pretty cloudy. 

Saturday will be more of the same, with a high of 23C and plenty of sunshine remaining on the agenda. Sunday will see another drop in temperature, but still over 20C and a bit more of a breeze around.  

What constitutes a heatwave? 

There are specific criteria for assessing whether or not there is a heatwave. According to the Met Office, Manchester needs to have three straight days of temperatures over 25C for a hot spell to be classed as a heatwave.

As the forecast only shows one day of 25C, the warm weekend looks likely to fall short of being a heatwave. Further details on this can be found through the Met Office website. 

Met Office outlook September 6 to 10

September 6

Early low cloud and any mist or fog will lift in most areas to leave a dry day with plenty of warm sunshine. Patches of cloud could linger over some of the high ground inland. It will remain breezy. Maximum temperature 25C.

Late sunshine will give way to some clear spells this evening. Staying dry overnight, although areas of low, mist and fog are likely to form. Remaining mild. Minimum temperature 14C.

September 7

Low cloud and any fog will clear to leave some spells of sunshine. However, we could see one or two light showers. Feeling pleasantly warm in the sunshine. Maximum temperature 23C.

An unsettled day is likely on Sunday with showery rain, which could be heavy and thundery. Showers should gradually ease on Monday and Tuesday, and turning fresher.