The GFS weather model indicates temperatures could rocket back to 36C on the weekend of July 25-26, after a brief cooldown this weekend. Nine counties in England are forecast to experience temperatures of 35C or higher.
Weekend Cooldown Before Heat Returns
The Met Office predicts peak temperatures will stay at 30C or 31C through this week until Saturday, before falling dramatically on Sunday when highs of 25C are expected across southern areas and 22C in northern regions. Conditions will remain "dry and settled" into the weekend, though with "cloud amounts generally increasing," the Met Office states. Despite temperatures "dropping towards the seasonal average," the national weather service anticipates conditions will still feel "pleasant in the sunshine."
New Heatwave Surge: July 25-26
The GFS weather model now shows temperatures could surge back to as high as 36C the following weekend. On July 25 (Saturday), it displays highs of 34C and 35C across western England, with 33C predicted for Wales, 34C in the Midlands, and 34C in the south-east. On July 26 (Sunday), the data indicates highs of 36C are possible in eastern England. Temperatures could hit 34C/35C as far north as South Yorkshire, according to the charts reported by the Mirror.
Temperature Anomaly and Affected Counties
Temperature anomaly charts for that weekend display the UK highlighted in patches of orange and red, signalling where temperatures are predicted to climb well above the seasonal average. In total, the GFS model charts reveal nine counties could experience temperatures of 35C or above later this month. They are all in England: Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, and Gloucestershire.
Met Office Outlook: Above-Average Temperatures and Thunderstorm Risk
The Met Office also predicts that temperatures will continue to stay above average as we approach the end of July. However, the national weather service warns of an increased likelihood of thunderstorms. The Met Office's forecast for July 19 to 28 reads: "Towards the latter part of July, the influence of high pressure may wane somewhat, allowing a greater chance of rain, showers or thunderstorms compared to earlier in the month. Overall, temperatures are expected to remain above average during this period."
