Britain is set for baking weather well into September, according to forecasters. They predict this week's 34C heatwave isn't the last and the country will experience hot temperatures throughout the rest of the summer, into the early autumn.
This Week's Heatwave Details
The Met Office forecasts a 35C peak this week, with more heatwaves expected over the next three months. Conditions are expected to be less humid than during June's record 37.7C heatwave, the Met Office said. Temperatures are set to climb from 32C on Tuesday to 33C on Wednesday, 34C on Thursday, and 35C on Friday and Saturday.
A Met Office forecaster said: "The UK will experience the third heatwave of the year this week, with extensive sunshine as temperatures build steadily through the week, potentially reaching 35C on Friday and Saturday."
Long-Term Outlook
A much hotter-than-normal three-month period to late September is eight times more likely than a much-cooler-than-average period, according to government weather forecasters. Late July is due another sizzle, with yet another in August, and high-30s temperatures expected.
Last summer was the hottest ever recorded at an average UK temperature of 16.12C, but this summer has started even hotter, 0.4C warmer than last June, Met Office figures show. With unprecedented heat spikes already, summer is in line to be the hottest on record.
The Met Office three-month outlook, briefed to councils, transport chiefs and businesses, said: "The chance of a hot three-month period is higher than normal. This brings an increased risk of further heatwaves and heat-related impacts."
Health Warnings
A temperature of 37.7C was registered at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 26, surpassing the previous June record of 37.3C at Santon Downham in Suffolk on the same day. Amber heat-health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for July 8 to 12 for six UK areas: the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West.
The UKHSA warned that substantial disruption is anticipated across health and social care services owing to the soaring temperatures. The amber alert signifies that "significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups," the agency cautioned.
Forecasters urge people to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure during the hottest part of the day, and check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours. Indications suggest the heatwave will relent, returning to more typical summer temperatures during the week commencing July 13.
