A third heatwave is set to hit the UK by the end of next week, the Met Office said. Temperatures could climb into the low 30s and the heat is forecast to remain at night, making sleeping uncomfortable.
It follows a weekend of cooler air, cloud and rain in most of England, and a yellow warning for thunderstorms in the east of the country on Sunday. The contrast highlights the volatile nature of Britain's summer weather patterns.
Wednesday marks temperature threshold
Marco Petagna, senior meteorologist at the Met Office, said Wednesday is probably going to be the day when temperatures could start to reach the thresholds of 25 to 28 degrees, depending on location. However, three consecutive days at those temperatures are needed for an official heatwave designation.
"Although the temperature will be reaching the criteria, we probably won't actually reach an official heatwave until around Friday, to give the three consecutive days at those temperatures," Petagna explained. Temperatures are going to continue to climb towards the end of the week.
Weekend could bring low 30s
By Friday and Saturday, temperatures could see 30 degrees, perhaps just nudging into the low 30s. The weekend may also see humidity increasing, with nighttime temperatures remaining elevated and making conditions more uncomfortable.
"At the weekend, we could just start to see humidity increasing a little bit as well and nighttime temperatures look like they are going to be, so it will be starting to become more uncomfortable by night," Petagna said. The quote appears incomplete in the original statement.
Duration remains uncertain
The duration of the hot spell remains difficult to gauge, with uncertainties about just how high temperatures will rise. Some weather models are pushing the heat away more quickly, whilst others keep the heat going for longer periods.
It also appears the UK will avoid the stifling weather of the high 30s and low 40s seen in the Mediterranean region. Spain and Portugal have experienced temperatures reaching the mid-40s in recent days.
High pollen and UV levels expected
Petagna noted that the hot weather will bring very high pollen and very high UV levels across affected areas. The south of the UK should hold onto hot weather into next weekend, with temperatures again potentially reaching the low 30s in some spots.
"At this stage, we've managed to escape some of the very highest temperatures, those seen across Spain and Portugal in particular, where it has reached the mid-40s," the meteorologist added.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
