The Met Office has issued a fresh heatwave forecast for the next month as temperature levels are set to rise in days. According to the forecaster, a late-season heatwave could develop across southern parts of the UK as the country transitions into meteorological autumn.
Cooler week ahead with heavy rain
The prediction comes as temperatures are likely to cool down this week, with several parts of the country lashed with heavy rain. The summer has already seen most of England and all of Wales placed under official drought status, highlighting the severity of the ongoing dry spell.
As temperatures continue to run at record levels, millions of people are living under hosepipe ban restrictions, with authorities urging customers to reduce water use as reservoirs and river levels remain under pressure.
Long-range outlook for late-season heat
However, according to the forecaster’s long-range outlook for the 14-day period from August 30 to September 13, there is an increasing possibility that late-season hot weather or even heatwave conditions could develop, particularly across southern parts of the UK. The forecast suggests that warmer-than-normal conditions may persist as the country transitions from summer into meteorological autumn.
The Met Office also indicates that drier and more settled weather patterns are more likely to dominate across southern and eastern regions, while temperatures are expected to remain close to or above the seasonal average. This could prolong the warm conditions experienced in recent weeks and increase the likelihood of extended spells of sunshine in some areas.
Drought and water pressure
The forecast comes against a backdrop of exceptionally dry weather, with almost three-quarters of England and the entirety of Wales officially in drought following the driest July on record. Prospect of further warm and dry conditions could place additional pressure on water resources, agriculture and the natural environment, particularly in areas already affected by prolonged rainfall deficits.
Andy Burnham warned last week that Britain was a "tinderbox" as he toured Stourbridge in the West Midlands, where firefighters were responding to wildfires.
