The UK is set to experience its third heatwave this week, with temperatures reaching as high as 34C in parts of the south east, according to the Met Office. Liverpool will see highs of 29C on Friday, while London could hit 33C on Wednesday and 34C on Thursday.
Previous Heatwaves and Record June
Liverpool experienced a heatwave in May, followed by more hot weather in June, which was the warmest June on record for the UK. Red and amber weather warnings were in place across the country during that period. After a brief cool-down at the start of July, temperatures are now climbing again.
Regional Forecast Details
According to the Met Office, Liverpool will see 25C on Wednesday, rising to 27C on Thursday and peaking at 29C on Friday. In London, temperatures are expected to reach 33C on Wednesday, 34C on Thursday, and 33C on Friday. The forecaster said northern and western parts may be unsettled at first with heavy rain or thundery showers, but high pressure will bring dry and very warm weather across England and Wales, with a chance of thunderstorms moving in from France.
Key Differences from Previous Heatwaves
Despite the scorching temperatures, this heatwave will feel different from the previous two. Temperatures are unlikely to reach record-breaking levels or feature the same humidity. The Met Office noted that the key difference is the source of the air: with high pressure positioned further west, westerly winds will keep temperatures below June's extremes and result in lower humidity.
The Met Office outlook for the north west states: "Northern and western parts may be unsettled at first with heavy rain or thundery showers, before high pressure becomes reestablished. This will continue to bring dry and very warm weather across England and Wales, but always with an ongoing chance of thunderstorms moving in from France." It added: "Temperatures by day will be widely very warm, hot or even very hot in parts of the south. There are signs for the heatwave to ease back to more normal summer temperatures through the next week commencing Monday 13 July."
