Weather maps indicate that a new heatwave will begin on Sunday, with temperatures soaring to 37C in parts of England next week. The hot conditions are expected to persist for six days, with much of the country experiencing temperatures above 30C.
Sunday and Monday: Temperatures Climb
On Sunday, August 9, highs of 34C are forecast, with much of the south reaching 32C or higher. The East and West Midlands are both expected to see around 32C, while Suffolk also reaches 32C. Northern England will be slightly cooler, but Greater Manchester could still hit 29C.
Monday is set to be even hotter, with highs of 37C forecast in Berkshire, nearing the UK record of 38C recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk on June 26. London, Cambridgeshire, and parts of the south west are expected to reach 35C, while Hertfordshire and Suffolk could see 36C.
Midweek and Beyond: Heat Spreads North
On Tuesday, the heat will spread further north, with many areas in the Midlands and south remaining in the mid-thirties. Greater Manchester and Cheshire are expected to reach 34C and 35C respectively.
Wednesday's weather maps remain a volcanic red, with some areas of Yorkshire reaching 30C. Wales and Scotland, though cooler, are predicted to climb to the mid to late twenties. The heat persists through Thursday, with highs of 35C in London and surrounding areas staying at 34C.
Friday and the Heatwave Definition
Friday is also expected to reach 35C in certain areas, including Sussex and Norfolk. Lincolnshire could see highs of 33C, and Birmingham 32C.
The Met Office defines a heatwave as "an extended period of hot weather relative to the expected conditions of the area at that time of year, which may be accompanied by high humidity." The UK threshold is met when a part of the country records at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold, which varies by county.
According to these Netweather maps, a heatwave is certainly on the cards for next week, as warmth smothers much of England for a six-day period. The Met Office forecast says it will be dry for most on Monday with temperatures on the very warm to hot side. The longer-range forecast adds that "for the most part, temperatures look to remain above average, especially in the south, and perhaps turning very warm or hot."
