The fourth heatwave of the year is underway in the UK, with sweltering highs of 35C forecast to scorch nine areas on Wednesday, July 29. The Met Office reports that the southeast will be particularly hot today, with temperatures widely reaching 29-30C. The peak is expected tomorrow, with maximum temperatures of 35C possible across southeastern England.
Heat health alerts issued
Amber heat health alerts have been issued for the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East for 24 hours from 9am on Wednesday. Elsewhere, yellow heat health alerts have been issued for the same timeframe in the South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire & The Humber.
Not all parts of the nation will see temperatures soar, with clouds and outbreaks of rain forecast in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland. Southern Scotland and Northern Ireland could see heavy showers and isolated thunderstorms later today.
Brief spell of heat
By Thursday, temperatures will have cooled for vast parts of the country, although those in the southeast will see hot temperatures stick around a little longer, with the mercury forecast to hit 29C, meeting the heatwave threshold. Current forecasts suggest this will be a “short spell of heat” as by Friday, temperatures are forecast to reach near the average for this time of the year, and slightly below average in the far north. The south will see the warmest weather thanks to continuing high pressure, though it will feel markedly different from midweek highs.
Official warning
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson said: “This is a short-lived spell of heat, but temperatures will climb quickly through the first half of the week, particularly in the southeast. By Wednesday, some areas could see temperatures in the mid-30Cs, and while the heat will not be widespread across the whole of the UK, it will be enough for parts of the southeast to likely meet official heatwave criteria by Thursday. Elsewhere, the weather will be more changeable, and the change to cooler, more unsettled conditions will arrive sooner from the north and west, with a mix of sunshine and showers. Across northern areas, it is possible there will be heavier showers with a small risk of isolated thunderstorms through the week.”
Nine areas forecast 35C on Wednesday
- Berkshire
- Buckinghamshire
- East Sussex
- Hampshire
- Kent
- Oxfordshire
- Surrey
- West Sussex
