The UK is currently experiencing its third heatwave within seven weeks, with temperatures set to soar as high as 36°C at its peak this week, the Met Office has confirmed.
Peak Temperatures Expected Thursday and Friday
The highest temperatures are expected on Thursday and Friday (July 9 and 10), when temperatures will widely exceed 30°C across England and Wales. Thursday could see highs of 35°C, with potentially 36°C in some locations on Friday. Saturday (July 11) may reach 34°C in southwest England and 33°C on Sunday, before a gradual decline, according to the Met Office.
Lower Humidity but Warm Nights
Despite the heat, the Met Office stated that it will not feel as hot as the previous heatwave in late June due to lower humidity levels, which will allow some areas to cool more readily overnight. However, some towns and cities may still experience very warm nights, potentially disrupting sleep.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: "Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across southeast England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather."
High Pressure to Persist Next Week
Crabtree added: "High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the south, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the southwest. As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm – especially in the southwest – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places."
He continued: "The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week. There is however a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the south and southwest."
Gradual Cooldown and Long-Range Forecast
The heat will ease off gradually, with many UK areas remaining in the mid to high 20s next week – above average for the time of year. The Met Office predicts a 'prolonged spell' of fine, dry and very warm weather. In the long-range forecast, high pressure is 'more likely than low pressure for much of July'.
Health Alerts Issued
Due to the heat, amber and yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), indicating significant impacts likely across health and social care services. The alerts are in place from 9am on Wednesday, July 8, until 9pm on Sunday, July 12. An amber alert covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West, while yellow alerts cover the North East, Yorkshire and the Humber, and the North West.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious negative health outcomes across the population, so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. Based on the current forecast, we don’t currently expect the health impacts to be as high as the heatwave we saw at the end of June but older adults and those with pre-existing conditions are still at risk."
Dr Sousa added: "If you have friends, family, or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecast and are following the necessary advice. Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are effective ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather."
