An amber heat-health alert has been issued for Merseyside, with temperatures forecast to reach 32C this week. The alert, from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), comes into effect at 9am on Tuesday, August 11, and remains in place until 9pm on Friday, August 14.
Heatwave to Peak on Thursday
The Met Office predicts the hottest day will be Thursday, August 13, with temperatures soaring to 32C. The rest of the week is expected to be similarly warm, with high pressure bringing plenty of sunshine and southerly winds drawing in hot air from Europe.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Jason Kelly said: "Heat will gradually build this week, with temperatures reaching into the mid-30s Celsius in what will be a fairly widespread heatwave for England and Wales. The driver for this week’s heat is high pressure, this becoming dominant over the next day or so, bringing plenty of sunshine and allowing temperatures to build day-by-day. Southerly or southeasterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe, meaning we’re looking at further notable heat for many this week, likely peaking on Thursday."
Cooler Air to Arrive Later
According to Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster David Oliver, the heat will ease later in the week. He said: "While Thursday will be the peak of the heat this week, some warmth will remain in the south and southeast on Friday, before easing more widely on Saturday as cooler air spreads south from the northwest."
High pressure may retain some influence over southern parts of the UK into the weekend but could weaken early next week, potentially bringing showers or longer spells of rain.
North West Forecast
Today: Dry with strong sunshine, though wispy high cloud may make it hazier at times. Slightly breezier than Monday, but very warm across southern counties. Maximum temperature 26°C.
Tonight: Plenty of evening sunshine, then dry overnight with clear periods and variable cloud. Warm in urban areas, cooler in the countryside by dawn. Minimum temperature 13°C.
Wednesday: Dry with lots of strong sunshine, temperatures rising rapidly. High-level cloud may cause some haziness. Very warm and locally hot. Maximum temperature 29°C.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday: Very warm or hot on Thursday with strong sunshine. Turning fresher and cloudier from Friday, with perhaps the odd shower.
