Britain's hottest temperature on record could be surpassed this week as meteorological forecasting data indicates the mercury may climb as high as 42C. The existing all-time record stands at 40.3C, which occurred during the blistering July 2022 heatwave. Fresh weather maps now suggest the heatwave currently engulfing large parts of the nation could exceed that by nearly 2C.
The Met Office has already issued exceptionally rare amber and red weather warnings spanning England and Wales, indicating certain areas could experience temperatures reaching 40C on Wednesday and Thursday. The UKHSA has additionally issued red heat health alerts throughout England, cautioning of serious impacts on the wider population owing to this week's extreme heat.
Forecast Details: Wednesday and Thursday
Information from the UKV weather model indicates 40C peaks are anticipated in south-west England on Wednesday. Temperatures could soar into the high 30s throughout southern, central and eastern England. Yet Thursday appears set to be even hotter, reports the Mirror.
The UKV model indicates 42C is feasible in the north-west, eastern England, South Yorkshire and Nottinghamshire at approximately 3pm on Thursday – which would represent a new all-time temperature record. Information reveals peaks of 40C or above are feasible throughout England's central belt, alongside certain northern regions and the south-west. Overall, the projections suggest 24 counties could hit the 40C threshold.
24 UK Counties Facing 40C or More on Thursday
- Cheshire
- Shropshire
- Herefordshire
- Gloucestershire
- Staffordshire
- Worcestershire
- Yorkshire
- Lincolnshire
- Nottinghamshire
- Leicestershire
- Derbyshire
- Norfolk
- Cambridgeshire
- Warwickshire
- Northamptonshire
- Oxfordshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Bedfordshire
- Hertfordshire
- Surrey
- Berkshire
- Wiltshire
- Dorset
- Somerset
Humidity and Tropical Nights
The Met Office has cautioned that exceptionally humid conditions are set to accompany the latest heatwave. Dew points, which measure atmospheric moisture levels, are predicted to hit approximately 22C – a stark contrast to the record-breaking July 2022 heatwave when they remained in single figures. Widespread 'Tropical Nights' are also anticipated, with temperatures unlikely to fall beneath 20C overnight across southern parts of England – particularly in built-up areas. Daytime temperatures are expected to peak at 37C today, potentially climbing to 40C on Wednesday and Thursday.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: "Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we're expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat. The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity."
"As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20C, which is called a Tropical Night. This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts."
