The United Kingdom is poised to endure a significant heatwave, with temperatures soaring above 30°C for seven consecutive days this July. The heatwave is forecast to begin on Tuesday, July 7, with temperatures reaching 32°C and continuing through to Monday, July 13.
Early in the week, forecast highs will be around 32°C on July 7 and 8, rising to 33°C on July 9 and 10. Saturday, July 11, is expected to experience temperatures around 32°C, followed by slightly cooler but sustained warmth with 30°C highs on Sunday, July 12, and Monday, July 13.
The Met Office has highlighted that temperatures will climb steadily during the week, although the humidity levels won’t reach the extremes seen in previous heatwaves this year. Steven Keates, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, noted that this will be the UK’s third heatwave of the year but is not expected to break any records.
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“While temperatures won’t reach the highs seen last month, southern England is likely to encounter several days with temperatures in the low 30s Celsius, with a few locations possibly touching 34-35°C later in the week,” Keates stated. Night temperatures will generally be cooler than those during the June heatwave, but some urban areas may experience “tropical nights,” where temperatures don’t fall below 20°C.
The heat will be widespread across much of England and Wales and will also affect parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, where temperatures are expected to remain in the upper 20s Celsius. High UV levels and elevated temperatures mean the public should continue to take necessary precautions against heat and sun exposure.
Jo Farrow from Netweather TV added insights into the coming week’s weather pattern: “By midweek, more areas of the UK will warm up significantly. Scotland and Northern Ireland may reach the 20s Celsius, while many regions in England and Wales will meet or exceed heatwave thresholds with highs in the mid to high 20s and low 30s Celsius. In some locations, temperatures could peak around 34 or 35°C, with a slight chance of even higher readings.”
Tuesday is expected to be dry and bright, with light breezes and plenty of hazy sunshine punctuated by sunny spells. The Met Office forecasts a dry, sunny end to the week with light winds, becoming breezier on Friday, while temperatures steadily climb.
Residents and visitors should remain aware of heat safety guidelines as the UK faces this prolonged period of summer warmth.