Britons are preparing for a potential heatwave in the upcoming days, as weather specialists predict temperatures to soar into the mid-30s. The Met Office has outlined that central and southern regions of England are likely to meet the criteria for a heatwave by midweek due to a southerly airflow and high-pressure system boosting temperatures. Alongside the heat, there is a possibility of isolated thunderstorms and sporadic rainfall.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tom Crabtree highlighted that the warmth will be prominent in the first half of the week, with temperatures peaking around the mid-30s on Tuesday, remaining above average later in the week, especially in southeastern areas. In contrast, northwest Scotland will see more frequent showers initially but will also experience warmth from Tuesday onwards, with temperatures hitting the mid to high 20s.
England and Wales are anticipated to experience warm conditions, with temperatures surpassing 30C in some areas and projected to reach the mid-30s, particularly in London on Tuesday. GFS weather model predictions indicate that southern England could see temperatures reaching 31C, with London expecting 30C, the Midlands around 29C, and northern England up to 26C.
The heatwave is expected to peak at approximately 34C in Gloucester on Tuesday, with temperatures ranging from 31C to 33C in other parts of England. Scotland might see temperatures around 26C, while Northern Ireland could reach 24C. By Wednesday, central and eastern England could experience the most intense heat, with highs of 30C to 32C, and London hitting 30C again.
Senior Meteorologist Greg Dewhurst emphasized that some regions in England and Wales will meet the heatwave criteria by Tuesday, with temperatures rising significantly. He noted that the heat won’t be as widespread in Northern Ireland and Scotland due to high pressure in the southeast and low pressure in the northwest and west. The forecast suggests temperatures rising to around 31C in central and southern England on Monday, with the rest of England and Wales reaching the high 20s, and Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland in the low 20s. Showers and thunderstorms may occur in some areas, but Tuesday is expected to be mainly dry with sunny spells, marking the potential peak of the heat.
Temperatures are forecasted to climb to about 33C in central and southern England on Tuesday, possibly leading to thunderstorms in the afternoon and evening. Different areas may hit heatwave thresholds on Tuesday or Wednesday, depending on their location.