New weather maps suggest Britain's next heatwave could send temperatures soaring to 36C in parts of the UK, with a four-day spell of intense summer heat expected in early July. The latest ECMWF forecast maps indicate temperatures will steadily build through the first full week of July, with the hottest conditions predicted on Thursday, July 9.
Temperature Build-Up from July 6
The warm-up begins on Monday, July 6, with temperatures already climbing to 30C across large parts of southeast England and isolated pockets reaching 31C. Temperatures of 30C are also shown extending into parts of East Anglia, eastern England and the East Midlands, while much of the Midlands is forecast to reach the upper 20s. Wales could see highs of around 24C to 30C, while Scotland remains considerably cooler, with temperatures generally ranging between 15C and 26C. Northern Ireland is forecast to reach around 23C to 25C.
Peak Heat on July 9
By Wednesday, July 8, a broad swathe of southern England is coloured in the deepest shades of red on the forecast maps. Temperatures of 30C to 33C are shown with isolated pockets potentially reaching 35C in southeastern England. The maps also indicate temperatures of 27C to 30C extending into the Midlands, while much of Wales reaches the high 20s. Northern England is forecast to see highs generally between 24C and 29C, while Scotland remains cooler, with many areas sitting between 21C and 25C, although parts of eastern Scotland could reach 26C.
The heat then looks set to intensify on Thursday, July 9. Forecasts valid shortly after midnight already show widespread values of 30C to 35C across much of England, before a later update for 6pm suggests temperatures could climb even higher during the day. The projection shows some areas of southern and eastern England reaching a staggering 35C to 36C. Much of central England is forecast to remain above 30C, with Wales seeing highs in the mid to high 20s. Scotland is again expected to avoid the worst of the heat, with temperatures generally ranging from the mid-teens to the low 20s.
Met Office Long-Range Forecast
As part of its long-range forecast for Friday, July 3 to Sunday, July 12, the Met Office says that during the working week after the weekend, "temperatures will rise through the period, perhaps becoming very warm or hot in places." This suggests the heatwave could extend beyond July 9, with potential for further hot weather.
