Much of the United Kingdom will experience a temporary cooling trend at the start of the week before temperatures rise again, heralding the nation's fifth widespread heatwave of the year. Monday is expected to bring milder conditions, with highs in northern areas around 18 to 24 degrees Celsius (64-75F), and 22 to 27C (72-81F) further south, though still warm compared to Sunday.
This brief relief will be short-lived as warmer air begins to move back across the country by Tuesday. Central southern England, the Midlands, and east Wales are forecast to see the highest temperatures, potentially reaching 27 to 30C (81-86F). Yellow heat-health alerts are in effect for much of England until Tuesday evening and are likely to be extended or upgraded as the heatwave intensifies.
Midweek Heat Buildup
By Wednesday, temperatures across England and Wales are expected to climb into the high twenties and low thirties Celsius. The peak of the extreme heat is anticipated for Thursday, with forecasts indicating highs of up to 36C (97F) in southeast England and around 35C (95F) in central and eastern England. This would mark a new record, as it would be the fourth consecutive month in which temperatures have reached or exceeded 35C in the UK.
Many locations will surpass their local heatwave threshold, typically between 25C and 28C, for the first time this week. Some of this warmth is expected to extend northwards, with temperatures reaching the low to mid-twenties Celsius in northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
Uncomfortable Nights Expected
As the week progresses and temperatures build, overnight temperatures are also predicted to remain high, leading to potentially uncomfortable sleeping conditions. Minimum temperatures are unlikely to fall below 16 to 18C (61-64F) across England and Wales. In southeast England, there is a possibility of 'tropical nights,' where temperatures stay above 20C (68F) all night.
The prolonged periods of high temperatures and lack of rainfall have raised concerns about drought conditions in some areas, with parched landscapes becoming increasingly common.