The UK is bracing for its fifth official heatwave of the season, with temperatures expected to reach a scorching 37C next week. According to Netweather maps, the warm spell will begin on Sunday, with temperatures climbing above 30C for much of the nation, and the heat is anticipated to persist for at least six consecutive days.
Sunday's heat and regional highs
On Sunday, temperatures will reach 34C, with the majority of the heat felt in the south, where it will sit comfortably at 32C or higher. Elsewhere, highs above 30C are also expected. In the East and West Midlands, temperatures of 32C are forecast throughout the day. Although it will be cooler in the north of England, Greater Manchester is still set to reach 29C.
Monday's peak and record proximity
The heat will intensify into next week, with Monday marking the peak. Highs of 37C are forecast in Berkshire, nearing the recent record of 38C recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk, on June 26. London, Cambridgeshire, and parts of the south west are expected to climb to 35C, while nearby Hertfordshire could hit 36C.
Continued heat into midweek
Tuesday will bring further hot spells as warm air moves north. Many areas in the Midlands and the south will comfortably remain in the mid thirties, with Greater Manchester and Cheshire expected to reach 34C and 35C respectively. The weather maps show a volcanic red into Wednesday, with Yorkshire also hitting 30C. Despite cooler conditions, parts of Wales and Scotland are expected to reach the mid twenties on that day.
Heatwave definition and drought concerns
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's threshold is met when a region records at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold, which varies by county. Under this definition, the six-day spell will mark the UK's fifth official heatwave of the year, as drought conditions continue to cause problems across the nation.
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: “For the most part, temperatures look to remain above average, especially in the south, and perhaps turning very warm or hot.”
