The current heatwave gripping the UK is set to continue for at least another 15 days, with temperatures potentially reaching 37C in some areas, according to the GFS weather model. The model indicates that maximum temperatures could hit 30C or higher daily until Wednesday, 22nd July, with several peaks above 35C expected across England and Wales.
Forecast Details and Peak Temperatures
Temperatures are forecast to surge above 35C on multiple occasions between now and 22nd July. The GFS model predicts peaks of 36C this Friday across western England, with most central and southern areas reaching at least 32C. Similar scorching highs may return next Wednesday (15th July), with 36C predicted once again for western England, while parts of Wales and the far south of England could hit 35C.
Next Saturday (18th July) looks set to bring the most widespread blazing weather, with northern England also climbing above 30C. Highs of 37C are forecast for eastern England, potentially marking the most blistering day of this heatwave, reports Nottinghamshire Live. Temperature anomaly charts for this period show the UK bathed in deep red zones, indicating regions where temperatures are expected to soar well above the seasonal average.
Counties at Risk of 35C or Above
The GFS model forecasts suggest 23 counties may endure temperatures of 35C or above during the 15-day stretch. All are situated in England and Wales. The counties in England include Lincolnshire, Derbyshire, Leicestershire, Nottinghamshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Shropshire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Warwickshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, Oxfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Hampshire, Hertfordshire, and Surrey. In Wales, the affected counties are Montgomeryshire, Radnorshire, and Brecknockshire.
Met Office Perspective and Precautions
The Met Office has suggested that this week's temperatures are unlikely to rival those seen during the heatwave in June. However, the national weather service is forecasting some blistering highs of up to 35C. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates stated: "Night-time temperatures again will not be as high as what we experienced in June, though some larger urban areas are likely to remain in the high teens overnight, especially later in the week, and there is a chance that a tropical night (where temperatures do not fall below 20C) may be recorded in a few places."
Keates added: "Much of England and Wales will be hot, and the heat will extend to parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland too, though here peak temperatures are more likely to be in the upper 20s. With high UV and high temperatures, people should take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun."
