BBC Weather has issued a new verdict on the possibility of another heatwave in the coming weeks, with above-average temperatures possible later this month but no heatwave currently indicated.
The UK experienced several heatwaves over the summer, which was the hottest on record in terms of mean average temperatures, but conditions have cooled off more recently. Rain returned last week, with more expected this week, and the wet weather will be a welcome change for many parts of the country that were plunged into drought by the consecutive heatwaves.
Unsettled conditions ahead
BBC Weather says the next week or so should bring more “unsettled conditions”, with the position of the jet stream meaning low pressure systems are on the cards. The forecast states that “spells of rain and, potentially, some rather blustery winds” can be expected.
High pressure may have more influence later this month, “which would mean longer dry interludes and the chance of above-average daytime temperatures”. However, the BBC adds: “While long-range forecasting is fraught with uncertainty and details are subject to change, there is currently nothing to indicate that a heatwave is on the cards.”
Met Office outlook
The shift towards high pressure overhead could actually lead to “some rather chilly mornings”. The Met Office declares an official heatwave when temperatures hit the ‘heatwave threshold’ three days in a row, which stands at 28C in the south-east and drops to 25C the further away from the south-east you go.
The Met Office says some “rather warm days” are on the cards later this month, though nights might be “relatively cool”. Its forecast for September 18 to 27 states: “Remaining changeable, with occasional rain or showers arriving from the North Atlantic, most frequent across northern and western parts of the UK, where some strong winds will also be possible at times.”
“However, there will also be some reasonably dry and more settled periods interspersed, especially across southern areas, with a chance these may extend to more of the UK later in the period. Temperatures for the period as a whole will probably be close to average overall, but there is scope for some rather warm days at times, along with occasional relatively cool nights giving the occasional grass frost.”
