The Met Office has indicated that a return to heatwave conditions is looking "increasingly likely" as next week approaches, with weather models suggesting the UK may witness its hottest day on record. The current all-time temperature record stands at 40.3C, set during the July 2022 heatwave, but data from the GFS weather model reveals that 41C could be reached.
Forecast for the Coming Days
Met Office forecaster Neil Armstrong stated that this week should remain "pleasant" for most, with temperatures anticipated to stay largely in the low to mid-20s Celsius. This follows a record-breaking heatwave last week that delivered the warmest June day ever at 37.7C.
According to the Met Office, the forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach the high 20s across parts of England, possibly reaching 30C in parts of the southeast, with values of mid to high 20s in Wales.
GFS Model Predictions for Next Week
GFS model maps for next Monday reveal highs of 35C to 36C are possible across much of southern, eastern and central England at around 6pm. Highs of 33C are anticipated as far north as Yorkshire, with 31C forecast for South Wales.
Temperatures could then climb to unprecedented levels next Tuesday. The maps reveal highs of 40C and 41C from Yorkshire down to London and across the east of the country, according to the Mirror. Conditions should then ease on Wednesday, with temperatures reaching 35C in the south-east, the GFS model indicates.
Counties at Risk of 40C or More
The GFS model indicates that as many as 17 counties could experience temperatures of 40C or more, all in England. These counties are: Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Surrey, and Kent.
Temperature anomaly maps for next Tuesday display the UK shaded in red and black, demonstrating that temperatures are projected to soar well beyond the seasonal average.
Met Office Caution on Extreme Heat
Despite the models, the Met Office states that, at present, the prospect of "extreme high temperatures" similar to those seen last week remains low. Met Office forecaster Tony Wisson said: "The forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach high 20s across parts of England, perhaps 30C in parts of the southeast, with values of mid to high 20s in Wales."
"Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low," Wisson added.
