After a warm week and weekend, temperatures are set to become cooler next week – and some parts of the country could even experience some rain, according to BBC Weather
Forecasters have warned Brits to expect high temperatures over the coming days – and despite Thursday officially becoming the hottest day of the year so far, the record could be broken again this weekend.
The Met Office said some eastern areas could see the mercury go up to 34C, while most parts of England will experience temperatures in the low 30s. Due to the ongoing heat, a number of charities including the British Heart Foundation and Age UK have issued warnings about the potential risks to vulnerable people.
And while it looks like warm weather is here to stay for a few more days, some parts of the country could actually experience rain next week, bringing some relief from the heat. According to BBC Weather, on Thursday next week parts of the South East could experience drizzle in the morning.
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The forecast also says a gentle breeze will hit from the west and south-west. The Met Office also said “changeable conditions” are expected from the beginning of next week – with some rain or showers likely.
The latest long-range forecast from June 24 to July 3 says: “Rather changeable conditions are anticipated through this period, as a series of Atlantic low pressure systems pass largely to the northwest of the UK. These will tend to bring some occasional rain or showers, most frequent in northwestern areas where it may also be rather breezy or windy at times.
“Whilst some rain or showers will be possible farther south and east, here longer drier spells are more likely, under the influence of higher pressure. There is also the chance of some occasional very warm weather, as south or southwesterly winds allow brief bursts of hotter air to encroach from the continent, but probably fairly short-lived and perhaps also accompanied by a few thunderstorms at times.”
But before then, Britain will continue to be warm. Today, highs of 32C are possible in central England, with some isolated showers and thunderstorms hitting western parts of the country. Saturday could be even warmer, with the mercury reaching 34C.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Dan Holley, said: “The highest temperatures from this hot spell are forecast for Saturday, with low 30s Celsius fairly widely across England, and up to 34C possible in eastern areas. Despite this, the more uncomfortable heat will be in northern and western areas initially, where despite somewhat lower temperatures the air will be more humid.
“While Saturday will be a dry and fine day for many, a few showers or thunderstorms will be possible across northern and western parts of the UK, with an increasing risk of some intense thunderstorms developing across portions of north Wales, northern England and southern Scotland later in the afternoon and into the evening hours, which could bring heavy downpours, frequent lightning, gusty winds and possibly large hail.” The meteorologist said the weather could also stay warm at night, with the possibility of temperatures not falling below 20C in some areas, which could make it hard to sleep.
This kind of weather is described as a “tropical night”, Mr Holley added. He said: “Temperatures will ease from the west on Sunday as fresher air arrives from the Atlantic, although parts of East Anglia and the far southeast of England could still see 28-29C for a time.”
As warm conditions continue, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an Amber Heat Health Alert for the whole of England. The alert is aimed at the health and social care sector, the responder community, the voluntary and community sector and government departments when adverse temperatures are likely to impact on the health and wellbeing of the population.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “We have already seen warm weather across the week, and temperatures are set to increase in the coming days, exceeding 30C in many areas. Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.
“It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote health care services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the work force.’”
UK 5 day weather forecast
This Evening and Tonight:
A fine evening but turning cloudier, perhaps with the odd shower in the southwest by daw, most places remaining dry. Very mild and muggy particularly in the west, with a strengthening breeze.
Friday:
Dry with sunny once again. Chance of an odd shower across northern Scotland and southwest England at times. Breezy along southern and eastern coasts. Feeling very warm, and locally hot.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday:
Hazy sunshine on Saturday with showers, these thundery in places. Occasional bright spells on Sunday with cloudier skies arriving into Monday. Feeling hot initially but then turning fresher from Sunday.