The Met Office has identified southeast Wales as the most unexpected area in the UK set to experience scorching 34C temperatures on Monday and Tuesday, as the early summer heatwave reaches its peak. Meteorologist Alex Deakin highlighted this region as unusual for such extreme June heat, even as southern England braces for more typical blistering conditions.
Peak Temperatures Expected Monday and Tuesday
Deakin noted that while Sunday could already see 30C in the south-east, the highest temperatures will arrive on Monday and Tuesday. "Hard to say which will actually see the highest temperatures... Both are likely at the moment to be high around 34 Celsius," he said. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat across southern parts of England and Wales for those days.
Southeast Wales: A Surprise Hotspot
Singling out southeast Wales as particularly unusual, Deakin explained: "It is unusual. It is probably across southeast Wales." He added that while all such temperatures are rare for June, the southwest of England and south Wales are pushing their extremes. Bristol and Somerset could hit 33-34C, with inland parts of southeast Wales near Cardiff also reaching those levels, far beyond typical June norms.
Potential for Record-Breaking Heat
Deakin acknowledged uncertainty over exact highs, stating: "There is a chance it could be a degree or even two degrees higher, which would kind of be pushing records." However, he also noted a conservative possibility of only 31 or 32C. Forecasters will refine details over the weekend as sunshine amounts become clearer.
Humidity and Thunderstorm Risks
The heatwave will feel more oppressive due to rising humidity, with hotter nights making sleep difficult. Deakin warned: "This spell is going to be more humid than the last one." He also highlighted thunderstorm risks where heat and humidity build, particularly across southern England, southern Wales, the Midlands, and East Anglia, though storms will be "hit and miss." Scotland will see a gentler outlook with dry and sunny spells this weekend, followed by more cloud and light rain early next week.
Public Health Concerns
The unusual westward expansion of heat raises public health concerns, especially for vulnerable residents, the elderly, and those with underlying conditions. Elevated overnight temperatures offer little respite. Officials are expected to issue guidance on hydration, limiting activity during peak heat hours, and watching for sudden storms. The Met Office will update its outlook as the weekend progresses, urging residents to monitor forecasts closely as subtle changes in cloud cover could swing temperatures by several degrees.
