The Met Office has confirmed that a third heatwave is set to sweep the UK next week, with temperatures potentially reaching 33C, but forecasters say it will feel distinctly different from the record-breaking June heat.
Record-Breaking June Heat
Last week, the UK experienced its hottest June day ever, with temperatures soaring to 37.7C at Lingwood in Norfolk on Friday, June 26. This surpassed the previous record of 37.3C recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk on the same day, according to the Met Office.
Upcoming Heatwave Details
Now, a new forecast indicates that a high-pressure front moving in from the Azores will bring another heatwave next week, with temperatures possibly hitting 33C. However, weather experts highlight that this heatwave will be less humid, making conditions feel more comfortable than the sweltering spell last week.
Tony Wisson, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: "Toward the weekend, high pressure will continue to build in across most of the UK as it extends from the Azores. This will lead to more settled, warm or very warm conditions for many, especially across England and Wales, though some rain may still affect the far north."
He added: "The forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach high 20sC across parts of England, perhaps 30C in parts of the southeast, with values of mid to high 20sC in Wales. Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low."
European Heatwave Impact
This series of heatwaves comes as Europe endures one of its harshest summers, with over 1,300 excess deaths linked to high temperatures reported since June 21. Temperature records have been shattered across the continent in countries including Germany, Poland, and the Czech Republic, as the intense heat continues to shift eastwards.
