Heatwave Conditions Expected in UK
Temperatures in various parts of the United Kingdom are projected to climb as high as 30C over the upcoming weekend, driven by a significant heatwave forming across Europe. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated heat health alerts for large sections of the Midlands and south-east England, effective from Wednesday afternoon until Monday evening.
The increase in temperatures is attributed to a “heat dome” phenomenon that has developed over Europe. By Tuesday, areas in south-east England could meet the criteria for an official heatwave, which typically means maximum temperatures surpassing 27C for three consecutive days.
Last month, the UK experienced an unprecedented heatwave, with a new May record of 35.1C recorded at Kew Gardens in London. Both Wales and Ireland also registered their highest May temperatures, reaching 32.9C in Cardiff and 30C in County Clare, respectively. The Met Office described this spring event as “one of the UK's most extreme high temperature events in our observational records.”
Regional Forecasts and Heat Dome Explained
On Thursday, temperatures are anticipated to reach 25-28C across the Midlands, East Anglia, and south-east England, accompanied by sunshine. Other regions will likely remain cloudier with some rain, gradually transitioning to showers, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 24C, which is closer to the average for mid-June.
Friday will bring more wet weather to Northern Ireland, Scotland, and the northern and western parts of England and Wales. However, conditions are expected to become drier and sunnier across all areas over the weekend, with light winds. Temperatures in these regions will see a slight rise but will stay modest, between 19 and 26C.
The heat in southern and eastern England is predicted to intensify further on Friday, with temperatures between 27 and 31C. While Saturday might be slightly cooler, by Sunday and Monday, temperatures could return to the high twenties, potentially reaching 31 or 32C. Monday may also see the development of significant thunderstorms across England and Wales.
As the heat persists into Tuesday in south-eastern areas, some locations may officially enter heatwave conditions, with temperatures consistently above 27C or 28C for three consecutive days. The specific temperature threshold for a heatwave varies by county, ranging from 25C in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and parts of south-west England, to 28C in London.
The British weather is currently under the influence of an intense and potentially record-breaking heatwave originating in western Europe. This is caused by a stationary area of high pressure, which acts like a lid, trapping warm air beneath it. This trapped air continuously heats up, creating what is known as a heat dome.
Temperatures across Spain, France, Germany, and Eastern Europe are expected to climb into the mid to high 30s in the coming days. By Sunday, parts of France, including Paris, could see temperatures exceed 40C, potentially surpassing the June record of 37.6C set in 1947. This national heatwave could lead to new records being established in numerous French locations. The subtle shift in this high-pressure system's position over the next few days will allow some of this hot air to extend into the south-east of the UK.
Source: Developing heatwave across Europe to send UK temperatures above 30C