The UK is on track to record its hottest day in history later this month, with a blistering 41C forecast. Last week saw several June temperature records shattered as a historic heatwave swept across large parts of the UK. June's record temperature was broken again on Friday June 26, with Santon Downham, Suffolk reaching 37.3C, surpassing the high of 37.1C measured in Cavendish, Suffolk earlier that afternoon.
Temperatures to Soar Again in Mid-July
Temperatures this week have returned to near-seasonal levels, however, the relief may be brief, as WXCHARTS weather maps have turned a burning red for July 17. If the forecasts ring true, then the UK is set to record its hottest day, exceeding the 40.3C reached on July 19, 2022, at Coningsby in Lincolnshire.
A sizzling 41C is forecast, with weather maps for 6pm on July 17 indicating that Yorkshire will swelter under the highest temperatures. The east and west Midlands will see the temperature gauge hit a whopping 40C alongside Oxfordshire and Buckinghamshire. London, Surrey, Cambridgeshire and Hampshire won't be far behind with a scorching 39C forecast. Temperatures in Sussex, Kent, Norfolk and Suffolk will hover between 34C and 37C.
Regional Breakdown of Expected Heat
Central Wales is forecast to be the hottest part of Wales with a sweltering 36C forecast. The south of the country will see highs of 35C as will the north. Devon will see highs of 34C whilst Cornwall will be ever so slightly cooler with 31C forecast. The north East is on track to see temperatures hit 33C, the north West will just miss out on hitting the 30s with highs of 29C likely. Scotland will miss out on the sizzling weather, although temperatures could still reach 29C. The Highlands are expected to be the coolest part of the UK, with highs of around 22C forecast.
Met Office Long-Range Outlook
The Met Office's long-range forecast between July 7 and July 16 reads: "High pressure will dominate across England and Wales into next week, likely extending its influence into the northern UK with time. This will bring dry and warm conditions with plenty of sunshine for most. Scotland and Northern Ireland will probably see more cloud at first, with periods of rain at times. Through next week though the high pressure may extend northwards to bring periods of drier and warmer weather to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Winds will be light to moderate for most, though stronger around northern hills and coasts near low pressure systems. Temperatures becoming widely warm, perhaps locally hot in parts of the southeast, although not as hot nor humid as seen in the past week."
