The Perseid meteor shower, one of the most active and reliable displays of the year, is under way and set to peak overnight on 12-13 August 2026, offering skygazers across the UK a chance to see up to 150 meteors an hour under ideal conditions. The shower occurs annually as Earth passes through debris left by Comet 109P/Swift-Tuttle, and this year's peak coincides with a new Moon, meaning darker skies and better visibility for those able to find clear weather.

Running from 17 July to 24 August, the Perseids are known for fast, bright meteors and occasional dramatic "fireballs", with the shower's radiant point located in the constellation Perseus. Viewing is best between midnight and an hour before sunrise, away from light pollution, with no special equipment needed, though eyes should be given around 15 minutes to adjust to the dark. The near-term UK forecast is mixed: high pressure will bring largely dry, settled conditions, though a northerly wind is drawing cloud into northern Scotland and eastern coasts, while southern and western areas should see clearer skies improving further as the week progresses.