Weather forecasts are hinting that scorching heatwave conditions could return, despite the UK being battered by torrential rain this week. New maps from WXCHARTS suggest temperatures could climb back up to 28C across southern and western England on September 5, with 28C highs more broadly likely — as far north as Yorkshire — on September 6.
Temperature highs and heatwave threshold
Temperatures could then reach 29C across eastern and western England on September 7, with highs of 27-28C possible across much of central and southern areas. While these temperatures may not be as blistering as those already recorded this year, they would still constitute an official heatwave in certain parts of the country.
The Met Office declares an official heatwave when temperatures reach the "heatwave threshold" for three consecutive days. The threshold sits at 28C in the south-east, where conditions tend to be warmer, dropping to 25C the further from the south-east you travel.
Met Office forecast for early September
Temperature anomaly maps for this period show England and Wales shaded in areas of red and orange, indicating where temperatures will climb well above the seasonal average. The Met Office has forecast "very warm spells" at the beginning of September, particularly across southern regions, though significant rainfall is also anticipated.
Its forecast for August 31 to September 9 states: "Likely remaining unsettled with showers or longer spells of rain across all areas at times. Rainfall amounts will probably be above average for the time year with the wettest conditions in the northwest. Potential for some strong winds at times. Some drier and more settled interludes could develop, perhaps becoming longer in duration across southern areas later in this period. Temperatures are likely to be near average, although some short-lived warm or very warm spells are possible, especially in the south."
