The UK is set for another heatwave, with temperatures potentially reaching 34C in 15 counties next week.
Current Temperatures
Today, the mercury is expected to reach 34C in London, with 32C forecast for the Midlands, 29C in the north-west, and 27C in Cardiff. Northern Ireland and Scotland will remain cooler, with afternoon highs of 21C in both Belfast and Glasgow.
Next Week's Forecast
The GFS weather model indicates temperatures surging back above 30C on Wednesday next week, with highs of 33C possible across western England, 32C in Wales, and 31C as far north as Yorkshire.
For Thursday, data suggests temperatures could reach 34C broadly across eastern, central and southern parts of England, with most of England and Wales climbing above 30C again.
Similar conditions may persist into Friday, when 34C highs are possible across western areas, and on Saturday when 34C is anticipated across the south-east of England.
Counties Affected
Altogether, the GFS model suggests 15 counties could see the mercury hit 34C or above next week — all located in England. These are: Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Staffordshire, Warwickshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Surrey, Kent, Essex, and Gloucestershire.
Met Office Outlook
The Met Office indicates that temperatures are expected to stay above average next week, though "exceptional heat" is unlikely. There is also a possibility of "thundery interludes" across southern regions.
The national weather agency says: "Towards mid August, high pressure may become rather more dominant towards the north of the UK, with lower pressure further to the south."
"This means there is a greater chance for Atlantic frontal systems or thundery interludes to affect southern areas, certainly in comparison to recent weeks, though rainfall amounts could be quite variable with some areas seeing relatively little."
"For the most part, temperatures look to remain above average, especially in the south, though perhaps without the exceptional heat we have seen in recent weeks."
