UK Weather Forecast: 39C Heatwave to Hit 30 Counties in Days

The UK is bracing for scorching temperatures as high as 39C in the coming days, according to a new forecast, with 30 counties set to experience temperatures above 30C.

Atlantic Fronts and High Pressure

Fronts moving in from the Atlantic will bring showers through midweek, but a high pressure system to the south of the UK will keep temperatures elevated. Through the weekend and into next week, it will become notably warmer, especially for the south of the country.

Netweather Forecast

The latest forecast from Netweather shows that heatwave temperatures of 39C could hit London by Sunday, June 28, with similar hot conditions across the south and south east. However, a north-south divide is expected, as in Scotland, temperatures may not reach more than low double figures on June 28. For the north of England and Wales, it will be cooler but still fine, with temperatures reaching the mid-20Cs.

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Met Office Outlook

The Met Office weather forecast for June 21 to 30 reads: "Probably a north-south split at the start of this period. In the north, changeable and often rather cloudy with showers or some longer spells of rain, perhaps heavy at times, and temperatures near normal. In the south, mainly fine and dry with temperatures well above normal, albeit with a small risk of a few showers or thunderstorms at times. Into late June, high pressure may begin to build with conditions becoming more widely dry and settled. Temperatures are likely to be above normal for many areas."

Temperatures are also set to hit the 30Cs next week. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: "This week's contrasting weather of both heat, rain, and potential thunderstorms is a result of a low pressure system influencing the UK from the northwest. The southerly flow stalls a front over the west of the UK whilst allowing temperatures to build in the southeast. Friday is set to be the warmest day of the week, but it's important to note that peak temperatures could be impacted by cloud cover. Temperatures are likely to range from 26 to 28°C, with the potential to approach 30°C in parts of southeast England. Elsewhere temperatures will remain closer to average but could be warm at times in parts of Wales and the west Midlands."

Health Alerts

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of "greater risk to life of vulnerable people" with yellow heat health alerts issued across four areas of the country. The warning is in place from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8pm on Monday, June 22, with other impacts including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, indoor environments becoming very warm, and an increased risk of water-related incidents. The alert will cover London, South East, East of England and the East Midlands, the UKHSA said.