Large parts of the UK are set for temperatures in excess of 30C as the country prepares to swelter in the middle of August. New weather data by WXCharts.com shows 19 counties where the mercury is set to rise above 30C, including Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire and Surrey.
Scorching Heat to Sweep Across Southern and Eastern England
The maps show a scorching blast of heat sweeping across southern and eastern England, sending temperatures above 30C across a huge stretch of the country. London, the Home Counties and East Anglia appear to be in the firing line, with highs of around 32C to 34C possible in the hottest spots.
The heat begins to ease farther north and west, although parts of the Midlands and South West could still top 30C. Wales, northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland look much cooler, with many places struggling to get beyond the low 20s.
Long-Range Forecast for August 12
The chart is a long-range forecast for Wednesday, August 12, so the exact temperatures may still shift. A Met Office long-range forecast for August 10 to August 19 said: "Then through the following week, more changeable conditions are likely across northwestern parts, with some spells of rain and stronger winds interspersed by drier periods.
"Southeastern areas will generally see more settled and drier conditions. Further into August, lower pressure may start to track further south or east.
"This means there is a greater chance of frontal systems or thundery interludes to affect southern and eastern areas in comparison to recent weeks, though rainfall amounts could be quite variable with some areas still seeing relatively little.
"For the most part, temperatures look to remain above average, especially in the south, and perhaps turning very warm or hot."
July Was Driest on Record
The weather forecast shows a continuation of the extreme temperatures seen across the UK in recent weeks, with provisional data showing that July was the driest on record in England and Wales. Nineteen counties recorded less than 1mm of rainfall across the entire month, with just 6.5mm of rainfall recorded, just 10% of its long-term meteorological average for the month, and less than half of the previous record of 13.4mm set in 1911.
Helen Wakeham, chair of the national drought group and director of water at the Environment Agency, said: "Dry weather depletes our water, while the hot conditions mean we use more of it. This is a difficult combination, and we are seeing the effects on our farmers, our wildlife, and the amount available for public and business use.
"All sectors are taking action, and we are grateful to the public for following the restrictions, where in place, to make sure there is enough water for everyone this summer.
"We want everyone to stay safe and hydrated during the hot weather but every drop we can save is a drop more for nature and agriculture."
