UK weather maps indicate a sharp temperature drop to as low as 7C in parts of Scotland, ending the current heatwave that is expected to bring highs of 35C this week. According to the ECMWF weather model, temperatures could fall below 10C across 25 counties, primarily in Scotland and northern England, by the morning of July 22.
Heatwave Peaks This Week
The Met Office forecasts heatwave conditions with temperatures above 30C in southern and northern regions throughout this week. The warmest days are expected on Thursday and Friday, where 35C is possible in some areas. The BBC also predicts plenty of sunshine and increasingly hot conditions for much of the UK from Friday through Sunday, though western Scotland and some west-facing coasts may remain cloudier with light rain or drizzle.
Dramatic Temperature Drop Ahead
Despite the warm spell, the ECMWF model shows a significant cooldown towards the end of July. Highs on July 20 are predicted to reach only 17C in south-east England, with 20C the following day. On the morning of July 22, temperatures could plummet to 14C in south-east England and as low as 7C in parts of Scotland. Temperature anomaly maps for this period indicate most of the UK will experience below-average temperatures, shaded in blue.
Counties Affected by Sub-10C Temperatures
The ECMWF maps identify 25 counties where temperatures could fall below 10C on the morning of July 22. These are all in Scotland or northern England. Scottish counties include Caithness, Sutherland, Ross-shire and Cromartyshire, Inverness-shire, Nairnshire, Morayshire, Banffshire, Aberdeenshire, Angus, Perthshire, Kinross-shire, Clackmannanshire, Argyllshire, Stirlingshire, Dunbarton, Lanarkshire, Dumfriesshire, West Lothian, Midlothian, East Lothian, Peeblesshire, Selkirkshire, and Roxburghshire. In England, Northumberland and Cumbria are also expected to see temperatures below 10C.
Met Office and BBC Forecasts
Before the cooldown, the Met Office says Brits face a sizzling heatwave. Tomorrow is expected to bring “another hot day” for England, Wales and eastern Scotland, with cloudier conditions in Northern Ireland and south-west Scotland. For the weekend, the Met Office adds: “Remaining warm and sunny across much of England and Wales, though turning breezier. Sunny spells emerging in the far northwest as cloud moves southwards into other areas of Scotland.” The BBC echoes this, noting a chance of thundery showers on Friday and cooler conditions on east coasts over the weekend under a keen easterly breeze.
