The Met Office has confirmed the start of a third heatwave in the UK, with temperatures beginning to climb across the country. This heat surge follows two previous heatwaves in May and June, but forecasters say this one will feel different.
Heatwave Criteria Met in South East England
Temperatures have risen after a mild start to July. South East England has officially met the heatwave criteria, recording three consecutive days above 28°C, according to the Met Office. Some areas could reach 35°C this week, and other regions may soon hit the heatwave threshold.
A north-south divide is expected through the first half of the week, with the south east exceeding 30°C. By the weekend, warm air will reach northern parts, bringing increasingly humid conditions.
Not Record-Breaking, But Still Hot
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said: “Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year.” However, he noted this heatwave will not reach record-breaking levels. “Unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking,” Keates explained. “Temperatures this week are not expected to reach the highs we witnessed last month, though parts of southern England in particular are likely to see several days in the low 30s, and a few places could reach 34-35C later this week.”
Key Difference: Source of Air
The key difference compared with recent heatwaves is the source of the air. High pressure positioned further west will bring westerly winds, keeping temperatures below June's extremes and resulting in lower humidity levels.
While the north west is expected to be slightly cooler, Liverpool will still see hot temperatures. On Wednesday, the Met Office forecasts a high of 26°C, climbing to 27°C on Thursday and 30°C on Friday. Humid conditions will continue into the weekend, with 28°C on Saturday and 27°C on Sunday.
Looking ahead, the forecast says: "Turning brighter over the next few days with spells of strong sunshine."
