The third heatwave of the summer is set to hit the UK by the end of the week, with Wimbledon fans and players facing sweltering conditions during the championship finals. Forecasters warn that temperatures could soar above 30C during the weekend's climactic matches.
The Met Office said the tennis championships' women's final on Saturday and men's final on Sunday could see temperatures of more than 30C with very high UV and pollen levels. Scotland is also due to hit the heatwave threshold, with temperatures on the east coast forecast to reach up to 31C on Saturday and potentially break local records.
Longer lasting heat spell
Despite not being as warm as the heatwave at the beginning of July, the hot spell is forecast to last longer and cover a broader area. Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick warned that conditions would be particularly challenging for outdoor events.
"It is going to be a hot one with little cloud around," Eslick said. "UV levels are going to be pretty high so anyone going to the (Wimbledon) finals should wear plenty of sun cream and stay hydrated as there is not going to be too much of a breeze to cool down."
Health warnings issued
The UK Health Security Agency issued yellow heat health alerts on Wednesday covering parts of central and southern England, valid until July 15. Eslick also warned that "pollen levels are going to be high, so any hayfever sufferers should take medication to reduce that risk."
In the south of England and Wales, temperatures of up to 31C on Thursday and 32C on Friday are possible. On the east coast of Scotland, temperatures are expected to reach 25C on Thursday and 28C on Friday.
Weekend temperature peaks
Scottish temperatures should peak at up to 31C on Saturday before coming down to 28C or 29C on Sunday. The temperature will slowly start to decrease by Monday or Tuesday.
In the north of England, Thursday could see highs of 27C, edging up to 29C on Friday and 30C on Saturday with isolated highs of 31C. Eslick added that the weekend would be very sunny and dry, with the wildfire risk classed as moderate.
Fire safety concerns
"We've not had a lot of rain over the last few days and weeks," he said. "Make sure barbecues are extinguished thoroughly as the ground will be pretty dry."
To be considered a heatwave, the temperature needs to reach or surpass 28C in the south and 25C in the north for at least three consecutive days.
(PA) Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
