Forecasters are warning that the UK could see its hottest day on record within days, with temperatures potentially reaching a blistering 41C during the second week of July. This follows a week that already saw the hottest June day in UK history, when the mercury hit 37.3C on Friday.
Current Record and Forecast Details
Britain's all-time temperature record currently stands at 40.3C, set during the exceptional July 2022 heatwave. According to WXCharts, the first signs of the next hot spell are expected from July 8, when temperatures could reach around 35C across parts of the south east. Forecast data indicates much of central and southern England may top 30C, while parts of Yorkshire could also see highs of around 33C.
The heat is then expected to intensify. By July 10, weather models indicate temperatures could approach 40C across western and southern England, with widespread highs between 37C and 39C possible across central and southern parts of the country. The most extreme conditions are currently forecast for July 11. The GFS model suggests isolated areas of western England could hit 41C, while a broad swathe of England, stretching from Yorkshire to London, may also experience temperatures approaching that level.
Heatwave Criteria and Affected Areas
A heatwave is declared when temperatures reach or exceed the local threshold for three consecutive days. The threshold varies between 25C and 28C depending on the county, with the highest benchmark for 28C applying in south east England and lower thresholds further north and west. If the July forecasts prove accurate, many areas would almost certainly meet the criteria for an official heatwave.
Counties facing 40C or more in July include Yorkshire, Nottinghamshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Shropshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Herefordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, and Surrey.
