Temperatures will climb through the week, potentially reaching record breaking levels by Thursday.
Heatwave thresholds are expected to be met across wide parts of the country with high temperatures persisting for three days or more. 30.5°C was reached in Cavendish in Suffolk on Monday and as warm air continues to push up from the Continent this week there will be widespread sunshine and temperatures will continue to rise for many.
Chief Meteorologist Frank Saunders said: “There is a real possibility of records being broken this week, for not only for July but also all-time records. The weather setup is broadly similar to the pattern that brought high temperatures to much of continental Europe at the end of June. The difference this time is that the wind flow will be more directly from France, paving the way for some exceptional, perhaps record-breaking temperatures. As well as high temperatures during the day, overnight temperatures will also be notably warm and could also break records. Conditions will feel much more comfortable for western parts of the UK by the time we get to Friday.”
While on Tuesday it will be predominantly dry across the UK with temperatures climbing into the low 30s Celsius as far north as York and 34C in the south east of England, thunderstorms will move in from the west and a Yellow National Severe Weather Warning has been issued for these. Much of the country is at risk of seeing heavy thundery showers through the evening and overnight as they spread north into Wales and Northern England. Lightning and perhaps gusty winds may be the main factors for many.
Temperatures will remain high overnight into Wednesday, making it uncomfortable to sleep, with potentially near record-breaking overnight temperatures of 23°C. The previous record is 23.9°C set in August 1990.
By Thursday temperatures are expected to peak with 38°C possible in south east England but 35°C possible as far north and west as Manchester and Birmingham. The current July record is 36.7°C set at Heathrow in 2015. The all-time UK temperature record is 38.5°C recorded in Faversham in August 2003. Again very warm nights will be a feature, especially in the urban southeast.
Owen Landeg, Principal Environmental Public Health Scientist at Public Health England said: “Much of the advice on beating the heat is common sense and for many people spells of warmer weather are something they very much enjoy. However, for some people, such as older people, those with underlying health conditions and young children, the summer heat can bring real health risks. That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk this summer.
If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support. Also take water with you when travelling and keep up to date with weather forecasts.
It’s also worth remembering to think about practical steps to keep homes cool during the day as this can aid sleeping at night and give the body time to recover from the heat.”
Temperatures are expected to return closer to normal as we head through the weekend as the weather becoming more unsettled with an increased chance of showers for many.
