The Met Office has warned that temperatures could reach 35 or 36C in parts of England on Thursday and Friday, as the third heatwave of the year grips the UK. Yellow and amber heat alerts have been issued for several regions, remaining in place from today until the weekend.
Hottest Conditions Expected Thursday and Friday
The 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.”
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.”
Heat Alerts in Place Across UK
Yellow heat alerts have been issued for the North East, North West, and Yorkshire and the Humber. Amber alerts cover the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, and South West. The alerts are expected to remain active from today through the weekend.
The Met Office stated that high pressure remains the dominant feature through the rest of this week, bringing extensive sunshine, dry weather, and temperatures widely above 30C. The hottest conditions are expected on Thursday and Friday, when some locations in England could reach 35 or 36C.
Record June Temperatures Already Broken
The forecast of a third heatwave comes after June's record temperatures were broken on June 26, with Santon Downham, Suffolk, reaching 37.3C. While temperatures are expected to ease in many areas after Sunday, the national weather forecaster warned the heat may linger into next week for some.
Crabtree concluded: “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.”
