The UK is set to experience its fourth heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach 35°C in nine areas on Wednesday (July 29). The Met Office has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East for 24 hours from 9am on Wednesday.
Heat health alerts in place
Yellow heat health alerts have also been issued for the same period in the South West, West Midlands and Yorkshire & The Humber. The peak of the heat is expected on Wednesday, with top temperatures of 35°C possible across south-eastern England.
Not all parts of the UK will experience the surge in temperatures. Cloud cover and rain are predicted in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, with the possibility of heavy downpours and isolated thunderstorms in southern Scotland and Northern Ireland on Tuesday.
Nine areas forecast to hit 35°C
The nine UK regions predicted to reach 35°C on Wednesday are: Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, East Sussex, Hampshire, Kent, Oxfordshire, Surrey, and West Sussex.
By Thursday, temperatures will drop for most of the country, but the southeast will remain hot, with the mercury forecast to reach 29°C, meeting the heatwave criteria. Current predictions suggest this will be a short spell of heat, as by Friday, temperatures are expected to return to near average for this time of year, and slightly below average in the far north.
Met Office comment
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."
