The UK could be on the brink of its hottest June day on record, with forecasters warning temperatures may climb as high as 38C in parts of England within days.
Heatwave Intensifies Across England
A hot spell is set to intensify across England, with temperatures potentially reaching 38C in London while multiple counties could bask in highs of 36C in the coming days.
Scorching temperatures are making a return to the UK, according to weather maps by WXCharts. The Met Office says heat is expected to build to sweltering levels through the weekend, with parts of the south and southeast poised to meet official heatwave criteria.
Record-Breaking Potential
Headline highs of around 32C are forecast in the south and southeast of England on Sunday, with the potential for 34C in some parts of the south on Monday. The Met Office has now stated there is a 40% chance of the UK's June temperature record being broken. The existing record of 35.6C at Mayflower Park in Southampton has stood since 1957. There is also a lower chance of exceeding the June maximum temperature record for Wales.
Advanced weather modelling maps by forecaster WXCharts show London could reach highs of 38C by around 6pm on Tuesday, June 23, which would make it the hottest temperature recorded in June so far by some distance. Five more counties—Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey, and Suffolk—could see temperatures of 36C or higher, according to the forecaster.
Official Warnings
The Met Office's Deputy Chief Forecaster, Gregory Wolverson, said areas in the south and southeast of England are likely to see heatwave criteria in the coming days, with the potential for temperatures to reach the low 30s in the warmest locations. He adds: There is currently a 40% chance of exceeding the current UK June maximum temperature record of 35.6C, set in 1957 and 1976.
The forecaster has issued amber weather alerts for extreme heat over a large chunk of the country. The warnings, in force from 1am Monday to 11pm on Tuesday, cover 51 areas across parts of East of England, London, South East England, South West England, and Wales. During this time, adverse health effects are likely to be experienced by those vulnerable to extreme heat, including sunburn or heat exhaustion (dehydration, nausea, fatigue) and other heat-related illnesses.
Travel Disruptions Expected
Brits are also being warned to expect delays to road, rail, and air travel, with potential for welfare issues for those who experience prolonged delays. There is an increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses.
Counties That Could See 36C or Higher on Tuesday
- Greater London
- Essex
- Hertfordshire
- Kent
- Surrey
- Suffolk
