The Met Office has issued a verdict on predictions of extreme high temperatures next week, stating that while a third heatwave is possible, the likelihood of temperatures reaching the extreme levels seen in recent weeks is low.
Record-Breaking June Heat
Last week, the UK experienced its warmest June day on record, with temperatures peaking at 37.7°C in Lingwood, Norfolk, beating the previous record of 37.3°C set in Santon Downham, Suffolk. This heatwave has sparked speculation that next week could bring even higher temperatures, with some weather maps suggesting 17 counties could hit 40°C, potentially marking the hottest day on record.
Met Office Forecast for Next Week
Met Office forecaster Neil Armstrong said this week should remain "pleasant" for most, with temperatures staying in the low to mid-20s. However, for the early part of next week, temperatures are expected to rise, possibly reaching heatwave conditions in some areas. Tony Wisson, Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, explained: "Toward the weekend, high pressure will continue to build in across most of the UK as it extends from the Azores. This will lead to more settled, warm or very warm conditions for many, especially across England and Wales."
Wisson added that temperatures could approach the high 20s°C across parts of England this weekend, with 30°C possible in the southeast and mid to high 20s in Wales. He noted that "although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low."
Contrasting Forecast Models
Despite the Met Office's cautious outlook, other weather charts from the GFS model indicate the potential for much higher temperatures next week. Maps for next Monday show highs of 35°C to 36°C across much of southern, eastern, and central England, with 33°C as far north as Yorkshire and 31°C in South Wales. By Tuesday, temperatures could climb to unprecedented levels, with highs of 40°C to 41°C predicted from Yorkshire down to London and across the east of the country, according to the Mirror.
These contrasting forecasts highlight the uncertainty in predicting extreme heat events, with the Met Office emphasizing that while a heatwave is possible, the extreme conditions seen last week are not currently expected to recur.
