Barnet faces 36°C heat before cooler Bank Holiday weekend in 2026
Temperatures may peak next week before easing for Notting Hill Carnival and outdoor events
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Sources include named expert Jim Dale and quoted Met Office and BBC forecasts.
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Barnet and the rest of London are set to experience another period of intense heat next week, with temperatures potentially climbing to 36°C. Jim Dale, a meteorologist at British Weather Services, said the capital could meet heatwave criteria before conditions ease for the August Bank Holiday weekend.
The August Bank Holiday runs from Saturday 29 to Monday 31 August 2026. This year, it coincides with the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival, an event expected to draw millions of visitors. Dale said the weekend should see temperatures in the mid-20s, which he described as "pretty much perfect" for outdoor activities.
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It looks like the Bank Holiday weekend will be in the mid-20s, which is pretty much perfect. It's warm enough to enjoy being outside without the extreme heat we've seen at times this summer.
Jim Dale, British Weather Services
Heat builds before the Bank Holiday
Forecasts show temperatures rising steadily next week. Monday 10 August is expected to reach 30°C, climbing to 31°C by Wednesday 12 August. Sunny conditions will dominate, with lows of 18-20°C overnight. The Met Office’s long-range outlook for 20 August to 3 September predicts above-average temperatures and below-average rainfall across the UK.
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The BBC’s long-range forecast for 17-30 August also suggests warmer-than-normal conditions in southern England. It notes a chance of "rather hot days" but warns of possible scattered showers or thunderstorms. Towards the end of August, high pressure may weaken, allowing low-pressure systems to bring more widespread rain and storms.
What residents should expect
Early next week, Barnet residents should prepare for high temperatures, particularly on Tuesday 11 and Wednesday 12 August. The Met Office has not issued specific heat warnings for the period, but the forecast suggests conditions could meet the threshold for a heatwave, defined as three consecutive days above a location-specific temperature.
By the Bank Holiday weekend, temperatures should drop to the mid-20s. This will provide more comfortable conditions for outdoor events, including Notting Hill Carnival, which takes place in neighbouring Kensington and Chelsea. Organisers have not announced weather-related contingency plans, but past events have proceeded in similar conditions.
What happens next
The Met Office will update its forecasts daily. Residents can check its website or weather apps for heat advisories. Barnet Council has not issued specific guidance for the hot spell, but it typically advises staying hydrated, avoiding peak sun hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbours during heatwaves.
If temperatures exceed 30°C for three consecutive days, the UK Health Security Agency may trigger a heat health alert. This would prompt local authorities to activate response plans, including opening cooling centres if needed. No alert has been issued yet for the coming week.
Questions this report answers
+How hot will it get in Barnet next week?
Temperatures in Barnet could reach 36°C next week, according to Jim Dale of British Weather Services. The heat may meet heatwave criteria, with sunny conditions and highs of 30-31°C from Monday 10 August.
+Will the Bank Holiday weekend be hot?
The August Bank Holiday weekend (29-31 August 2026) is forecast to stay in the mid-20s, offering comfortable conditions for outdoor events. Jim Dale described the temperatures as "pretty much perfect" for activities like Notting Hill Carnival.
+Is there a risk of rain during the Bank Holiday?
The Met Office predicts below-average rainfall until late August, but storms may develop as high pressure weakens. The BBC’s long-range forecast warns of possible scattered showers or thunderstorms before the Bank Holiday weekend.
+What should residents do during the hot weather?
Barnet Council typically advises staying hydrated, avoiding peak sun hours, and checking on vulnerable neighbours during heatwaves. If temperatures trigger a heat health alert, cooling centres may open. No alert has been issued yet for next week.
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