The UK is bracing for a significant heatwave this week, with the Met Office forecasting some of the longest and most widespread hot weather conditions so far this summer. Temperatures are expected to climb into the low 30s Celsius, although this heatwave won’t quite match the extreme highs seen in late June and early July.
Starting Wednesday, temperatures across the UK will steadily rise. Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley explained: “High pressure bringing warm air from the Atlantic will increasingly influence the UK this week. We’ll see day-on-day temperature increases, with hot conditions likely becoming widespread by the end of the week and continuing into the weekend.”
Wednesday could see temperatures reaching up to 28°C in parts of England, with highs of 30°C on Thursday and up to 32°C on Friday. By then, several regions in England and Wales are expected to meet official heatwave criteria, and parts of Scotland could also experience heatwave conditions over the weekend.
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These elevated temperatures are set to persist, especially away from coastal areas where onshore breezes offer some relief. Central and western England and Wales may see consistent temperatures hitting the low 30s, accompanied by rising humidity and warmer nights. This heatwave is expected to last longer and cover a broader area than previous episodes this summer. Additionally, high levels of pollen and UV radiation could pose challenges for sensitive individuals.
In Somerset, temperatures could reach 30°C on Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, while Bath might see highs of around 31°C.
Looking ahead, there are signs that cooler conditions may arrive from the west early next week. However, the timing and extent of this change remain uncertain, and southern and eastern areas could continue experiencing hot weather for some time.
In the UK, a heatwave is officially declared when a location records at least three consecutive days during which daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed set heatwave thresholds that vary by county, reflecting the country’s diverse climate.