The United Kingdom continues to swelter under heatwave conditions, with record-breaking temperatures and thunderstorms forecast in some areas following an unprecedented weekend of high heat.
Record Temperatures and Thunderstorm Warnings
The record for the highest minimum temperature in May was broken for a third consecutive day on Tuesday. The country also provisionally recorded its all-time hottest meteorological spring temperature when Kew Gardens in south-west London reached 35C, surpassing the previous high set on Monday.
A yellow weather warning for thunderstorms is in effect across parts of England on Tuesday evening, covering the south west, the Midlands, the north west of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber. The warning began at 3pm and remains in place until 10pm.
Impact on Travel and Health
Forecasters warn of potential delays and cancellations to train and bus services in areas affected by storms. Amber heat health alerts have been issued for the east Midlands, west Midlands, eastern England, London, and the South East, with officials cautioning that the hot weather could significantly impact health and social care services.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Andy Page stated: “The exceptional late-spring heat is set to continue for much of this week. Last night provisionally recorded the warmest May night on record, and we’re likely to see further very warm nights in the south over the coming days. There is a chance a few places will experience a ‘tropical night’ in the south of England and in Wales tonight, where temperatures don’t fall below 20°C.”
He added: “While many places will stay dry and sunny, the heat and humidity mean that a few isolated thunderstorms have developed with more possibly developing later today, particularly across parts of England. Looking further ahead, the focus for the highest temperatures will shift westwards on Wednesday, with northern areas feeling more of the warmth on Thursday. We’ll then see a gradual change later in the week, with temperatures easing slightly, though still above average, before a more marked change to near-normal temperatures by Sunday and an increased chance of showers and some longer spells of rain.”
How Long Will the Heatwave Last?
The Met Office forecasts that high temperatures will persist through the week, with highs of 25C on Wednesday, 29C on Thursday, 25C on Friday, and 25C on Saturday. A heatwave has been officially declared in eight locations in southeast England, where the threshold of 27C for three consecutive days was met.
Daily Forecast Breakdown
- Wednesday: Dry for most with sunny spells. Cloudier in the northeast with bright spells developing. Possibly the odd shower in the west. Very warm in the southwest, but feeling fresher elsewhere.
- Thursday to Saturday: Staying hot across parts of the south. A risk of a few thundery showers at times, but largely dry for many.
Temperatures are expected to ease slightly later in the week but remain above average, with a more noticeable shift to near-normal conditions by Sunday, accompanied by an increased chance of showers and longer spells of rain.
