Met Office – Things will warm up this week, with heatwave criteria being reached in parts of the UK by the end of the week.
Temperatures could climb into the low 30s, although the heatwave isn’t expected to see temperatures quite as high as the one experienced at the end of June/early July.
Today though, heavy rain will clear to the southeast, leaving a few showers but a mainly sunny day for most. Temperatures will be near the July average but feeling cool in the breeze.
Tuesday will be a generally fine and dry day for many, with plenty of sunny spells. Skies will be cloudier towards the northwest of Scotland and Northern Ireland, with a little light rain possible.
On Wednesday, we’ll start to see temperatures rise further, creeping up towards heatwave criteria as the week continues.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley explains: “High pressure from the Atlantic will gradually exert its influence over the UK this week. We’ll see temperatures build day-on-day, with the potential for hot conditions to become quite widespread by the end of the week and into the weekend.
“On Wednesday, temperatures could reach up to 28°C in parts of England, climbing to 30°C on Thursday and 32°C by Friday. By this stage, heatwave criteria are likely to be met in parts of England and Wales, and in parts of Scotland over the weekend.
“High temperatures are likely to persist into the weekend, especially away from coasts with onshore winds, reaching the low 30s in portions of England and Wales, and accompanied by rising humidity and warmer nights.
“This heatwave is likely to last longer than previous ones so far this summer, and affect a wider area, with the focus for some of the highest temperatures displaced across more central and western areas at times. In addition, pollen and UV levels will also be very high in some areas.”
When will the heat end?
There are signs that less hot, or fresher, conditions may arrive from the west into the start of next week, but exactly how quickly this transfers eastwards is uncertain. It’s certainly possible that hot conditions may persist for a while longer, especially towards the south and east.