The Met Office has revealed the exact date Greater Manchester's heatwave is set to come to an end, as the UK endures a second week of extreme temperatures. According to the latest forecasts, the heatwave will break on Saturday (July 18) when temperatures are expected to drop to 23°C, below the regional heatwave threshold of 25°C.
Current conditions and brief respite
After a slight cooldown on Monday (July 13), with Manchester reaching around 26°C and winds making it feel less hot, temperatures are set to rise again midweek. Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick stated: “For the time being it looks like the heatwave is set to continue, but depending on where you are, there may be a brief respite in the heat to come.”
Wildfire risks and ongoing fires
Natural England’s Fire Severity Index has placed much of England at “very high” risk of wildfires, with parts of southern England and the Midlands at “exceptional” risk. Derbyshire Fire and Rescue has responded to two moorland wildfires in recent days, declaring a major incident due to the impact of one fire at Tintwistle Moor on Sunday night. Area manager Ellie Gillatt said: “Firefighters continue to face challenging conditions as they work to tackle the wildfire and protect the surrounding infrastructure and environment.” A fire near Dovestone Reservoir continues to burn for a third day, sending smoke and haze across Greater Manchester, including the city centre.
Health alerts extended
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) extended its heat-health alerts, which were initially set to end on Saturday (July 11), until 9pm on Wednesday (July 15). An amber alert remains in force across the West Midlands and South West England, while a yellow alert covers the East Midlands, North West, South East, East of England, and London.
Temperature forecast for Greater Manchester
Between Tuesday and Friday (July 14-17), temperatures in Greater Manchester are expected to peak at 27°C or 28°C. By the weekend, they will drop to 23°C, ending the two-week heatwave, as the heatwave threshold for the region is 25°C. The Met Office notes that if forecasts change, the heatwave could continue longer, and it regularly updates its predictions for accuracy.
UK-wide outlook for late July
Looking ahead to July 17-26, the Met Office forecasts a change in weather patterns. The forecast states: "A change in weather pattern is likely by the start of this period, with the preceding dry and sunny weather breaking down into a more unsettled spell. Some heavy and thundery showers are likely, particularly across the south of the UK." Into the following week, a short spell of more settled weather is expected at first, before more changeable conditions return, bringing showers or longer spells of rain, possibly heavy and thundery. Temperatures are likely to remain above normal.
