London is expected to swelter in heatwave temperatures exceeding 30C next week, according to a new weather map. The forecast by WX Charts suggests the hot weather will reach a peak on Tuesday, July 28.
Forecasts suggest the capital could see a six-day heatwave starting on Monday, with temperatures as high as 32C in the middle of the week. It would mark the fourth heatwave in London so far this year, with a record-breaking May temperature of 35.1C recorded in Kew Gardens, followed by another hot blast in June and a third lasting 13 days in July.
Heat health alerts in place
The new forecast comes as heat alerts are in place across parts of England with officials warning that temperatures are likely to impact on health and wellbeing. The yellow heat health alerts have been issued for London, South East, the East Midlands, East of England, South West and West Midlands. They are in place from 9am on Friday until 9am on Sunday.
Temperatures in the affected areas are forecast to reach mid to high 20s, with a high of 30C a possibility, as much of the country continues to experience a prolonged period of dry, warm weather.
Drought and wildfires
The heat health warning from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) comes as drought was declared in North Wales and the Upper Severn, following record dry conditions, heatwaves, wildfires and dwindling rivers. It is the first part of the UK to declare drought status amid a summer of record-breaking heatwaves.
Many parts of England are in prolonged dry weather status as the country has received just 3% of its average July rainfall, with hosepipe bans in place for 23 million customers and suppliers warning they may stay in place all summer. Wildfires have been raging in a number of places in England, while Scotland has also been hit by a major wildfire in the Cairngorms, and in the Republic of Ireland, a nationwide hosepipe ban is in place in response to the dry conditions.
Travel impact
The heat alerts are in place at the beginning of a stretch in which millions of motorists are expected to take to the roads for summer getaways. The AA said around 6.3 million drivers are planning a road trip of more than 100 miles between Friday and Thursday. The Port of Dover is expecting another busy weekend but has worked to smooth any delays caused by new EU border checks.
