The Met Office has issued a forecast indicating that very warm or hot weather could arrive in parts of the UK by mid-June, with some weather maps suggesting temperatures may reach as high as 34C.
Shift to Settled Weather
In its latest long-range outlook covering June 13 to June 22, the Met Office said the UK is expected to see a transition to a more settled weather pattern as high pressure builds. Forecasters stated: "The start of this period will see a transition to a generally more settled weather pattern for much of the UK, as high pressure exerts more of an influence."
This change will be most noticeable across southern and eastern parts, while areas further northwest could remain cloudier and see occasional rain.
Temperature Rise
Temperatures are expected to rise as the high-pressure system strengthens. The forecast notes: "With the build of pressure will come an increase in temperatures, with the potential for very warm or hot conditions to become established by mid-month, especially across parts of England and Wales."
The warmer weather could last well into the second half of June. The Met Office added: "High pressure is favoured to remain close by to the UK towards the end of this period, bringing widely settled conditions and often above average temperatures."
Weather Maps Indicate 34C
Weather maps from WXCharts, based on ECMWF data, indicate temperatures could climb even higher, with some parts of southern England potentially reaching 34C. The charts show temperatures steadily rising through mid-June, with much of England and Wales forecast to see highs in the mid-to-high 20s.
Areas including London, the South East and East Anglia could see temperatures exceed 30C, while isolated hotspots may approach 34C if current projections verify. Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to remain cooler, with temperatures generally ranging from the mid-teens to the low 20s.
Heatwave Definition
If the hotter forecasts materialise, the UK could experience its first widespread heatwave conditions of the summer, with temperatures running significantly above the seasonal average. Under the Met Office definition, a heatwave occurs when an area records temperatures at or above a set threshold for at least three consecutive days. The threshold varies depending on location, ranging from 25C in parts of northern and western Britain to 28C in London and the South East.
While long-range forecasts remain subject to change, forecasters say the developing high-pressure pattern is increasing the likelihood of prolonged dry, sunny and increasingly warm conditions across much of England and Wales as June progresses.
