Britons are poised to experience scorching 35C temperatures this week, surpassing Bali’s climate as another heatwave moves in. The upcoming heatwave is expected to exceed last month’s hottest day of 35.8C in Faversham, Kent. Warm weather is on the horizon, particularly in central and southern England, meeting heatwave criteria by midweek. The Met Office forecasts a mercury rise to 31C today, escalating to the mid-30s by Tuesday.
The elevated temperatures are projected to persist through Saturday, with southern regions remaining above 30C. The prevailing high pressure system combined with a southerly airflow is responsible for the soaring temperatures, surpassing Bali’s forecasted 29C. Weather expert Brian Gaze anticipates mainly sunny conditions with temperatures exceeding 30C, potentially surpassing the year’s hottest day by Tuesday.
According to Netweather forecaster Nick Finnis, the UK is set to tap into heat exceeding 40C in France, signaling the onset of a heatwave. Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for several regions from Monday to Wednesday. The UK Health Security Agency has cautioned about potential impacts on health and social care services, including a possible rise in mortality rates.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree highlighted the focus on warmth in the forecast for the first half of the week, with temperatures peaking on Tuesday and remaining above average in the latter half, particularly in the southeast. However, northwest Scotland may experience more frequent showers on Monday, with temperatures gradually rising from Tuesday onwards.
In addition to the warm temperatures, there is a risk of scattered thunderstorms moving in from the north and the Atlantic. Meteorologist Tom Morgan noted a north-south weather divide on Monday, with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of northern England experiencing cloudiness and occasional rain, while England and Wales enjoy mostly sunny skies with some hazy sunshine due to high-level clouds.
Bookmakers are considering the possibility of this August becoming the hottest on record, offering odds of 5/2 for the likelihood. Ladbrokes spokesperson Alex Apati highlighted the potential for a scorching August ahead, as Britons brace themselves for the anticipated heatwave.