The UK could experience a heatwave with temperatures expected to soar this weekend and into next week, according to the Met Office. The south-east, particularly London and surrounding areas, could see temperatures reach 30°C on Sunday, Monday, and Tuesday.
Sunday is forecasted to be a “fine and dry day for many,” with bright spells and temperatures possibly hitting 25°C in the northeast.
Yorkshire marks the northern boundary for areas likely to meet the heatwave criteria, with 25°C temperatures continuing into early next week. Saturday is expected to be sunny with showers, most notably in Scotland, northern England, Wales, and the Midlands, where isolated thunderstorms are possible.
Despite warm weather, water temperatures remain cold, and caution is urged for outdoor activities.A heatwave is declared when a location records at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the threshold, which varies by county.
Earlier this month, the UK saw its highest temperatures of the year, with 31.9°C recorded at St James’s Park in central London.
The Met Office attributes the upcoming warmer weather to high pressure, which will bring clear skies and sunshine, allowing temperatures to rise gradually. However, it remains uncertain how long the warmer weather will last.
David Hayter, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, explained that a weakening jet stream to the west of the UK would generate an area of high pressure, leading to drier, settled, and sunnier weather. He noted that temperatures in Northern Ireland, south and west Scotland, and the Northern Isles would be lower due to patchy cloud.
Despite the warm weather, the Met Office forecaster Greg Dewhurst warned that water temperatures could still be cold, around 16-18°C. Tom Morgan, another Met Office meteorologist, noted that the longer days and recent proximity to the summer solstice contribute to the rising temperatures.