The Met Office has indicated that the UK could experience a significant heatwave this month, with temperatures potentially reaching 34C in some areas. The forecaster's long-range outlook points to a shift towards more settled weather, driven by building high pressure, which is expected to bring 'very warm or hot conditions' particularly across England and Wales.
Weather patterns and temperature rise
In its forecast covering June 13 to June 22, the Met Office stated that the start of this period will see a transition to a generally more settled weather pattern for much of the UK, as high pressure exerts more influence. This change will be most noticeable across southern and eastern parts, while areas further northwest could remain cloudier with occasional rain. As the high-pressure system strengthens, temperatures are expected to climb, with the potential for very warm or hot conditions to become established by mid-month, especially across parts of England and Wales.
Potential for 34C
Weather maps from WXCharts, based on ECMWF data, suggest temperatures could soar even further, with some areas of southern England potentially hitting 34C. The charts reveal temperatures climbing steadily through mid-June, with large swathes of England and Wales tipped to bask in highs of the mid-to-high 20s. Parts of London, the South East and East Anglia could see the mercury breach 30C, while isolated hotspots may nudge towards 34C should current projections hold firm.
Regional variations
Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to remain considerably cooler, with readings generally between the mid-teens and low 20s. The Met Office's forecast also hints that the warmer weather could extend well into the latter half of June, with high pressure favoured to remain close by, bringing widely settled conditions and often above average temperatures.
Heatwave definition
According to the Met Office definition, a heatwave is declared when an area records temperatures at or above a specific threshold for a minimum of three consecutive days. That threshold differs by location, ranging from 25C across parts of northern and western Britain to 28C in London and the South East. Should the more intense forecasts come to fruition, Britain could witness its first widespread heatwave conditions of the summer, with temperatures running well above the seasonal norm.
While long-range forecasts are always subject to revision, meteorologists say the emerging high-pressure pattern is making prolonged spells of dry, sunny and increasingly warm weather across much of England and Wales ever more likely as June rolls on.
