UK weather: Maps turn scorching red as 31C forecast to hit Britain – 12 hottest cities

The UK is set to be hit by another heatwave in just a few weeks’ time, with weather maps showing a huge Iberian plume will blast 31C air across 12 cities and towns

The UK’s sizzling summer shows no signs of cooling down, with temperatures predicted to reach a scorching 31C in just a few weeks.

WXCharts’ maps showed that large swathes of southern and central England could experience a significant temperature spike on Friday, August 1, thanks to hot air sweeping in from southwestern Europe.

The southwest and southeast are expected to be the hottest regions, with temperatures around 31C, meaning cities like Birmingham, Gloucester and Reading can anticipate an unusually warm start to the month.

London, Southampton and Brighton are also set to feel the heat from the Iberian plume, potentially marking the fourth heatwave – a prolonged spell of exceptionally warm weather – of the year in the UK. The sweltering conditions look set to persist into the early days of August, with forecasts predicting highs of 30C across southern England on Sunday, August 3.

The country’s third heatwave this year saw temperatures peak at 33C on Saturday, July 12, leading to heat health alerts being issued nationwide. These warnings highlighted the increased risk of death for vulnerable individuals, including those over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions.

Despite the ongoing high temperatures, the Met Office has issued weather warnings for heavy rain and thunderstorms in southwest England, Wales and Scotland this week, with some remaining in effect until Monday evening, reports the Express.

The national weather service forecasts a “changeable” start to August, with temperatures expected to hover around or above average, and the possibility of warm or hot spells in the south and east.

“There are signs that high pressure to the southwest may try to extend its influence across the UK, which could bring more in the way of dry, settled weather as we head further into [the month],” a Met Office spokesperson has said.

UK’s 12 towns and cities facing hottest forecast next month

1. Bristol (31C)
2. Gloucester (31C)
3. Southampton (30C)
4. London (30C)
5. Ipswich (30C)
6. Brighton (29C)
7. Reading (29C)
8. Luton (29C)
9. Birmingham (28C)
10. Northampton (28C)
11. Nottingham (28C)
12. Leicester (28C)