New weather maps indicate that the UK's current heatwave will intensify later this week, with temperatures above 30C potentially spreading across 13 counties by Friday. According to the latest WX Charts forecast, parts of southern and eastern England could see temperatures climb as high as 35C on Friday, with the hottest conditions expected in East Anglia and the South East.
Counties affected
The forecast suggests that Essex, Kent, Surrey, East Sussex, West Sussex, Hampshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Hertfordshire, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire, and Greater London could all reach 30C or higher by Friday afternoon. Several of these counties are predicted to see widespread highs between 31C and 33C, while isolated areas could reach around 35C.
Elsewhere, much of England and parts of Wales are expected to enjoy very warm weather, though temperatures are likely to stay just below the 30C mark. Counties including Norfolk, Bedfordshire, Northamptonshire, Lincolnshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Worcestershire, Gloucestershire, Staffordshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, Somerset, and Devon could see temperatures ranging from the mid to high 20s.
Regional outlook
Northern England is forecast to remain warm, while much of Scotland and Northern Ireland is expected to see temperatures largely in the mid to high teens or low 20s.
The Met Office has warned that the country could experience its fifth widespread heatwave of the summer, with temperatures continuing to climb through the middle of the week. Meteorologist Tom Morgan said highs of 30C were possible across parts of England and Wales on Tuesday, before increasing to 32C to 34C on Wednesday.
Potential records
Mr Morgan added: "We'll probably see highs reaching the mid-30s quite widely on Wednesday, and indeed on Thursday too in England and Wales." He said Thursday currently looks the most likely day to record the highest temperatures, adding: "There's a small chance it could get even higher than 36C."
The Met Office is considering whether further weather warnings may be needed. Mr Morgan said the forecaster "sometimes issue extreme heat warnings, amber and red warnings, which we did back in June, so that's under consideration at the moment".
Summer so far
The Met Office's outlook for Wednesday to Friday says outbreaks of rain will reach western Scotland and Northern Ireland, while sunshine is expected to dominate elsewhere. Conditions will become "increasingly very hot across the south, and turning very warm in the north".
This latest spell of hot weather comes during what has already been a remarkable summer for the UK. July was officially the sunniest on record across the UK and the driest July ever recorded in England and Wales. The Met Office also confirmed temperatures of at least 30.6C were recorded on Sunday, taking the total number of days above 30C this year to 35, setting a new UK record.
