The UK is bracing for a severe heatwave next week, with forecasts indicating temperatures could reach as high as 37C. Weather models from both the European ECMWF and the US GFS show a widespread heatwave affecting much of southern and eastern England.
According to the GFS system featured on WX Charts, southern and eastern England will experience scorching temperatures, highlighted by intense red coloration on weather maps signaling extreme heat. This will mark the fourth major heatwave of the year for the UK.
On July 29, the entire country is expected to display a gradient of high temperatures, ranging from yellow to deep crimson on the maps. London is forecasted to see temperatures between 30C and 32C on July 28 through July 30, with some models suggesting spikes up to 35C to 37C.
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The ECMWF model offers a slightly more cautious outlook, placing the highest temperatures further east and predicting cooler air to arrive by Friday. Meanwhile, the Met Office notes that although Atlantic weather fronts will bring some rain next week, brighter spells in the July sunshine should still elevate temperatures into the mid-20s Celsius.
Met Office meteorologist Greg Wolverson highlighted that despite the return of rain, it is unlikely to be widespread or heavy. Southern England, in particular, is expected to remain mostly dry following an exceptionally dry period.
The BBC Weather team predicts very warm days in the upper 20s Celsius across southern parts of the UK later in the week, with chances of stronger high-pressure systems developing. Temperatures elsewhere are anticipated to be near or slightly above average.
Netweather TV adds that while Scotland, northern England, and Northern Ireland will experience cooler, cloudier, and breezier conditions with periodic showers early next week, a ridge of high pressure will bring drier and hotter weather to England and Wales. By midweek, temperatures in southeastern England could reach 30C, with similar highs spreading across southern UK by Thursday and Friday.
Northern areas, however, can expect cooler temperatures with highs in the high teens or low 20s, accompanied by some showers. Unfortunately, the outlook means continued dry conditions for drought-affected regions, delaying any meaningful rainfall for those areas.