Somerset is bracing for an intense heatwave this weekend, with temperatures predicted to soar to a scorching 32°C on Saturday, July 12—surpassing well-known sunny destinations like Ibiza, Barcelona, Rome, and Tenerife.
According to forecasters from the Devon-based Met Office, Somerset will experience daytime highs in the early 30s Celsius later this week, significantly above the annual average by around 10°C. This sets the stage for a weekend of sweltering conditions unmatched by many European resorts.
Saturday promises particularly high temperatures, with the mercury reaching 24°C by mid-morning and peaking at 32°C around 4pm. The heat will persist into the evening, maintaining 30°C until about 7pm. Friday will also be warm, with highs near 30°C, and Sunday continues the trend with afternoon temperatures around 31°C.
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In response to the rising temperatures, the UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat health alert for parts of England, effective from 10am on Wednesday through 10am next Tuesday. This alert covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East, and South West.
Interestingly, this UK heatwave contrasts with cooler conditions expected in some popular holiday destinations. Ibiza’s peak temperature over the weekend is forecast to be around 27°C, while Tenerife’s highs will drop from 27°C on Friday to the mid-20s during the weekend. Barcelona will be cooler still, with highs from 26°C to 27°C, and Rome will peak at 30°C—still a degree or two shy of Somerset’s anticipated record-breaking highs.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley explained the meteorological factors behind the heatwave: “High pressure from the Atlantic is building over the UK this week, pushing temperatures up daily. By Friday, temperatures could reach 32°C, with heatwave conditions meeting official criteria in parts of England, Wales, and Scotland over the weekend.”
Holley added that the heatwave is expected to be more prolonged and widespread than previous ones this summer, spreading across central and western regions. Nights will also get warmer alongside increased humidity, making for uncomfortable sleeping conditions.
A brief South West forecast outlines the weather leading into the heatwave:
- Today: Warm and pleasant with plenty of sunshine, though some cloudier periods in the west. Maximum temperature around 23°C.
- Tonight: Generally settled with late sunshine, turning cloudier overnight especially along coasts with some drizzle. Minimum temperature near 12°C.
- Wednesday: Morning clouds breaking up to reveal sunny spells in the afternoon, with temperatures reaching 27°C.
From Thursday through Saturday, high pressure dominates, bringing strong sunshine by day and clear skies at night. The rising temperatures will create increasingly hot days and uncomfortable nights as the heatwave intensifies.
This weekend’s exceptional warmth positions Somerset as one of the hottest spots in Europe, making it a prime destination for those seeking sun—if they can handle the heat.