BBC Weather forecasts indicate the UK could experience a nine-day heatwave starting Saturday, July 4, with temperatures remaining at or above 28C until Monday, July 13. The forecast covers the period from July 4 to July 13, showing three days above the Met Office's heatwave threshold.
Temperature Details and Regional Impact
South east England is expected to see average temperatures between 28C and 29C for over a week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a hot weather warning for the East Midlands, east, south-east and south-west England from 12pm on Saturday until 5pm on Wednesday, indicating a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.
The agency stated that minor impacts were likely across health and social care services due to high temperatures, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life for the same group. It also warned of a potential rise in water-related incidents, including risks from cold water shock and drowning.
Previous Temperature Records
Last month was the warmest June since records began and the second-warmest for the UK, thanks to a heatwave that brought a run of sweltering days and balmy nights. A peak of 37C was provisionally reached at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 26, the highest maximum temperature ever recorded for the month.
This year also saw the highest May temperature on record, with 35.1C measured on May 26 at Kew Gardens in London. The spike in temperatures led the Met Office to issue a rare red warning for extreme heat for much of southern England and south-east Wales, which ran for three consecutive days - the longest period of time such an alert has been in place.
North-South Divide
While southern England is set to roast, unsettled conditions are expected from Friday in the north, the Met Office said. The national forecaster added that temperatures in the south will rise from the low to mid-20s to the high 20s and early 30s this weekend and into next week.
