The Met Office has forecast when the UK heatwave will come to an end as temperatures are set to plummet by 15C.
Current Heat Warnings and Temperatures
A red heat warning remains in force, extending from London across to Somerset and Swansea, and up to Birmingham, running until midnight today (Thursday). An amber warning has also been prolonged until 9pm on Saturday, as temperatures are anticipated to keep climbing beyond previous record-breaking highs.
The Met Office cautioned that additional updates could still be issued to these alerts as conditions evolve. The forecaster stated: "As the forecast continues to evolve, we may need to issue further updates once more detail becomes clear."
Record-Breaking Heat Expected
On Thursday, temperatures are predicted to hit 40C in some regions, with widespread temperatures exceeding 37C anticipated. The heatwave has already triggered extensive disruption to schools and transport networks, with closures and reduced timetables continuing. Overnight temperatures are also exceptionally elevated, as they are not anticipated to fall below 20C in urban areas.
Wednesday's peak surpassed the previous record temperature for June of 35.6C in 1976 and 1957, the Met Office confirmed. The weather channel reported that the exceptional heat will move northwards on Thursday, "with an even hotter day ahead for some with amber and red extreme heat warnings in force."
Cause and Duration of the Heatwave
The heatwave is caused by a "heat-dome" positioned over western Europe that has delivered extreme conditions throughout the continent. The scorching heat is set to persist in certain areas of the country into the weekend. However, relief is on the horizon as the sweltering days and nights are expected to subside over the weekend, with more moderate temperatures predicted from Sunday.
Temperature Drop Forecast
Detailing when temperatures will start to fall, the Met Office explained: "Thursday will see the peak of the heat for many, though those further east will retain extreme heat on Friday and Saturday and could continue to see further impacts, which has resulted in Amber warnings. The far southeast will retain the warmth the longest, though there should be a climb-down in figures by Saturday, with peaks around 32C likely."
"Next week is likely to see a change to more of a westerly influence on the UK's weather, with a return to more average temperatures for the time of year and a mixture of winds and rain, particularly for those in the North West."
By Sunday, temperatures could drop by around 15C, with Cardiff predicted to reach just 20C and London anticipated to see highs of 26C. Following the uncommon red warnings and health alerts, the temperature drop is likely to be welcomed by many across the nation after the mayhem that has unfolded.
