The Met Office has issued its latest verdict on when the UK might experience another heatwave, with forecasters warning that temperatures could reach or exceed 30 degrees Celsius towards the end of the week.
Record-Breaking May Heatwave and Recent Unsettled Weather
Following record-breaking temperatures during late May's heatwave, the UK has been experiencing a spell of unsettled weather, with rain and showers expected to continue through to Friday, June 12, for most of the country. However, a sharp change is anticipated as the weekend approaches, with the Met Office forecasting much warmer conditions.
Weekend Temperature Forecast
The Met Office suggests that the weekend could bring temperatures exceeding the seasonal average, which is around 21 degrees Celsius for southern England. Warmer conditions are expected across Saturday, June 13, and Sunday, June 14, with forecasters indicating potential for another heatwave.
Dan Stroud, a meteorologist at the Met Office, commented: "We're looking at temperatures climbing into the weekend, particularly on Saturday and Sunday, so feeling much warmer than recent days, with temperatures quite widely above average, especially across the south come Saturday, and even more so on Sunday."
Potential for 30°C or More
Mr. Stroud added that current indicators suggest temperatures may hit or exceed 30 degrees Celsius in some places. He stated: "How high the temperatures get is still open to a fair amount of debate. There is a growing signal that temperatures will be heading comfortably into the high 20s, perhaps breaking 30 degrees again."
He continued: "There is definitely a chance of temperatures scraping into above 30 degrees on Sunday, and then more so on Monday. We keep close tabs on it because there is always the potential for hitting heatwave criteria again."
Mr. Stroud explained the weather pattern: "End of this week, high pressure starts to build from the south, with clearing skies and rising temperatures over the continent. It's just a perfect recipe for temperatures to actually start climbing."
Regional Variations and Pre-Weekend Conditions
Temperatures are expected to be highest in the south and across South East England, according to the Met Office. However, in the run-up to the weekend, conditions are expected to remain unsettled.
Tuesday, June 9, is set to bring sunny spells and showers for most, while Thursday, June 11, is likely to be wet and windy for many. From Friday, conditions are expected to turn drier and increasingly settled.
Mr. Stroud added: "Thursday is likely the wettest day of the week, with an organised band of rain moving across us. But there is light at the end of the tunnel."
