The UK is gearing up for another hot spell with temperatures set to soar again this week. But how hot is it going to get, and when will the heatwave end? Here is everything you need to know…
Here we go again! Parts of the UK are expected to experience the third heatwave of the year this week with peak temperatures of 34°C expected.
Temperatures are expected to climb into the low 30s Celsius across much of southern England, with some locations potentially reaching 34-35°C later in the week.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: “Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year.”
But how will it compare to June’s heatwave that saw temperatures reach 37.7°C in some parts of the country?
This new hot spell is not expected to be as intense as the record-breaking heatwave, but it’s predicted to last considerably longer in many areas.
“Unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking,” Mr Keates said. “Temperatures this week are not expected to reach the highs we witnessed last month.”
Thankfully, night-time temperatures will not be as high as they were last month. But some larger cities are likely to remain in the high teens Celsius overnight, especially later in the week, and there is a chance that a tropical night (where temperatures do not fall below 20°C) may be recorded in a few places, the Met Office said.
The heatwave will affect most of England and Wales, and some parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland – although temperatures in these areas are only likely to reach the upper 20s.
Temperatures for southern parts of the UK include highs of around 32°C on Tuesday, rising to 33°C on Wednesday, 34°C on Thursday, and with isolated locations potentially reaching 35°C on Friday and Saturday.
According to the Met Office, the current heatwave is likely to last into the weekend, but with increasing humidity and a growing risk of showers or isolated thunderstorms. Early next week, temperatures are likely to cool down slightly, with many areas still staying dry, fine and warm.
A period of hot weather is only considered a heatwave when temperatures meet or exceed the daily maximum for that time of year for three consecutive days.
As always, people are being advised to take sensible precautions in the heat this week, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours.
Sun protection is also crucial, with UV levels expected to be high or very high across many parts of the UK throughout the week.
