The Met Office has confirmed that the UK's third heatwave of the year has officially begun, bringing temperatures of up to 35C in parts of the country. However, forecasters say this hot spell will feel noticeably different from the blistering heatwave in June, with lower humidity making nights more bearable.
Lower Humidity Brings Relief
Met Office weather forecaster Alex Deakin said on Monday that "the heat this week won't be as oppressive as the last heatwave in June." He explained that humidity levels are lower, which will make nights less uncomfortable compared to the previous heatwave that shattered June temperature records. "The humidity isn't as high, so the nights perhaps not quite as uncomfortable as they were a few weeks ago. But still, this is a pretty unusual hot spell of weather," Deakin added.
Temperature Breakdown by Region
The heat will initially be concentrated in the south, with temperatures reaching 30-31C on Tuesday across southern parts of the UK. Northern areas will be fresher, with Deakin noting that "temperatures in the north west of Scotland will be in the mid teens at best and it will be quite cloudy here with some outbreaks of rain."
By Wednesday, the warm air will push further north, making it hotter for eastern Scotland and much of northern England. Temperatures in the northeast will reach 28-30C, while southern areas will push 30C. Deakin said temperatures are likely to peak on Thursday and Friday at 33C, 34C, and perhaps up to 35C. In Northern Ireland and southern Scotland, temperatures are expected to reach the high 20s during that period.
Amber Heat Health Alerts Issued
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts for the Midlands, London, and eastern and southern England. These alerts are valid from 9am on July 9 until 9pm on July 12. The Met Office defines a heatwave as three or more consecutive days recording temperatures above the seasonal average.
Southeast England officially entered a heatwave after three days of temperatures above 28C, as confirmed by the Met Office on Monday evening. The forecasters noted that while this heatwave is significant, it is not expected to be as extreme as the June heatwave that saw record-breaking temperatures across much of England and Wales.
