Weather forecasters say temperatures are expected to surge across Europe and in the UK next week – and one model suggests record-breaking 45C highs are possible
Weather modelling data suggests the UK could see what would be – by far – the hottest day in British history next week.
One data set from the GEFS weather model shows staggering highs of 45C are on the cards in the south-east, in and around London, on Thursday.
If that were to come to fruition, it would comfortably be the hottest day ever seen in the UK. The current all-time temperature record stands at 40.3C.
That temperature record was set during the sweltering July 2022 heatwave – which was the first time ever that the mercury surpassed 40C in Britain. Highs of 45C would be unheard of.
It should be noted that it is only one data set from one weather model that shows 45C is possible – so it remains unlikely. However, other weather models suggest temperatures could hit 39C or 40C next week.
Met Office weather forecast
The Met Office says “very warm weather” is expected to return to some parts of the UK next week, with the fourth heatwave of the year likely.
“Many parts of England and Wales are likely to return to the mid to high-20s early next week, with the potential for temperatures to reach 30C again in southern and eastern England by Tuesday,” the national weather agency said.
“Conditions in the southeast could become very warm or locally hot, with the possibility that some locations may once again reach heatwave criteria, potentially making this the fourth heatwave episode of the year for parts of the UK.”
The Met Office forecast issued this morning predicts highs of 31C in southern areas on Tuesday and Wednesday. Northern regions could see highs of 28C across both days. The Met Office is yet to issue temperature predictions for the latter half of the week.
BBC weather forecast
The BBC forecast for Monday to Wednesday states: “Dry, sunny and very warm in the south and east on Monday and Tuesday but cloudy in the north and west with patchy rain at times.
“Wednesday will continue sunny and dry in the south. Further north will become sunnier, though showers may affect the north-west in the morning.”
