Following very warm weather on Sunday, very high temperatures, accompanied by high humidity, are expected on Monday and especially Tuesday and will likely bring widespread impacts to people and infrastructure.
In addition to high daytime maximums, temperatures overnight will remain very warm, especially in larger urban areas.
Temperatures are likely to reach the low to mid-30s Celsius in places on Monday and into the mid-30s Celsius more widely on Tuesday. Some places, particularly in urban areas, may see temperatures remain above 20 Celsius overnight.
The very high temperatures are likely to continue across parts of central and southern Britain further on into next week, albeit with some uncertainty in the extent and magnitude of this heat.
Peak temperatures are forecast to reach 35°C on Tuesday and Wednesday, with growing confidence in the current highest temperature on record for June being broken, this being 35.6°C recorded in Southampton in June 1976.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates, said: “While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and southeast of England over the weekend, with temperatures into the low 30s Celsius possible, the warmth will expand and intensify at the start of next week, which, coupled with high temperatures overnight and high humidity, leads to potential impacts.
“Temperatures are forecast to reach 32°C on Monday, climbing further to 35°C on Tuesday and Wednesday. By Thursday temperatures are currently forecast to drop slightly, with a peak of 34°C more confined to the southeast of England. Importantly high humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights, where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20°C are also likely for some, especially in urban areas.”