The UK could experience its hottest day in history as temperatures are forecast to rise up to 40C during a heatwave expected to hit the country in July. According to weather maps from WXCharts.com, between July 8 and 11, temperatures will rise across the entire country, with several areas facing 40C heat, especially in the south.
Areas Most Affected
London is expected to be among the warmest areas, with temperatures potentially reaching 40C. The east and south east of England will also see extreme heat, while the Midlands, west, and south west of England will experience temperatures of at least 30C. Other areas that could be hit include Berkshire, Hertfordshire, and Surrey. Wales is also set to be very hot, while Northern Ireland and Scotland will see more bearable temperatures.
The Met Office's long-range forecast between July 4 and 13 states: "High pressure will dominate across England and Wales over the weekend, bringing dry and warm conditions with plenty of sunshine for most. Scotland and Northern Ireland will probably see more cloud this weekend, with periods of rain mainly affecting western Scotland at times. Into the following working week, high pressure remains slow-moving over England and Wales, perhaps extending northwards to bring drier and warmer weather to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Winds will be light to moderate for most, though stronger around northern hills and coasts near low pressure systems. Temperatures will rise through the period, perhaps becoming very warm or hot in places."
Record Temperatures
The hottest day ever recorded in the UK was on July 19, 2022, when temperatures peaked at 40.3C. The upcoming heatwave could challenge this record. Netweather.tv forecasts also show several areas baking under scorching temperatures, with peaks of 39C in places on July 11.
On Friday last week, the Met Office reported a new record temperature for June of 37.3C recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk, and 37.7C at Lingwood in Norfolk.
