The Met Office has issued its verdict on heavy rain expected in the northwest this weekend, while other parts of the UK bask in sunshine. Temperatures across the country are set to reach the high 20s, with highs of 32°C in the south.
North-South Split
However, conditions will be mixed, with rain and thunderstorms also forecast. A Yellow Heat-Health Alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering the East Midlands, East of England, London, and the southeast of England from Wednesday until Monday.
Temperatures are approaching 30°C for southern parts of England, but it is a different story for those in the north. Alongside the warmth, there will be spells of rain, particularly across northern and western areas, with a slight chance of thunderstorms in southeastern England.
The Met Office highlighted a "north-south split" developing towards the end of the week. A spokesperson said: "High pressure over mainland Europe will allow increasingly warm and humid air to build across southern and eastern areas, while lower pressure close to the northwest keeps conditions more changeable."
Unsettled Midweek
Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson commented: "This week’s weather reflects a contrast we often see in summer, with more unsettled conditions passing to the northwest of the UK while heat builds in the south and east."
He added: "As we move towards the weekend, we’ll see conditions become more widely settled and temperatures rise all round. Many parts of southern and eastern England are likely to see temperatures high enough to meet heatwave thresholds."
Wolverson noted: "It’s important to note that while temperatures may be high, we might not all see the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies we experienced back in May because there is more cloud around. There is also a chance of thunderstorms developing in places, particularly later each day, which could bring heavy showers and localised impacts."
Heatwave Definition
In the UK, a heatwave is officially defined as a location recording at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. This threshold varies by county, reflecting the diverse climate across the UK.
The warmest conditions are likely into early next week, with temperatures potentially peaking again across southern and southeastern England on Monday and Tuesday. However, there is uncertainty over how quickly conditions will cool.
North West Outlook
In its outlook for Saturday to Monday in the northwest, the Met Office stated: "Turning more settled into the weekend as high pressure starts to build from the south. Sunny spells and feeling very warm with temperatures well above the June average."
