The Met Office has confirmed that large parts of England are set to experience a heat surge, with temperatures potentially reaching 30C next week. The latest weather maps, generated on June 17, indicate that Southampton, London and surrounding counties could hit 30C by 4pm on Monday, June 22.
Temperature breakdown
According to the Met Office's temperature charts for 4pm on June 22, the hottest conditions will be concentrated across central and southwestern England, as well as south Wales. Eastern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to remain noticeably cooler.
By 7pm, temperatures will remain remarkably high, with London still predicted to be at 30C, while areas like Brighton and Exeter stay at 27C. Further north, Northern Ireland is forecast to peak at 21C, while Scotland will see temperatures in the mid-to-high teens.
By 10pm, temperatures are set to drop, with a peak of 26C still predicted for London and low 20s across the rest of England.
Rainfall and long-range forecast
While not all Brits will see the heat surge, the vast majority will enjoy clear skies on Monday. The Met Office's latest rainfall maps predict no precipitation for all of Wales and southern England, with only a small patch of rain expected for the northeastern coast of England and around York at 4am. Parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland will see rain as a large band sweeps in from the Atlantic throughout the day.
The Met Office's long-range forecast for June 21 to June 30 states: "Probably a north-south split at the start of this period. In the north, changeable and often rather cloudy with showers or some longer spells of rain, perhaps heavy at times, and temperatures near normal. In the south, mainly fine and dry with temperatures well above normal, albeit with a small risk of a few showers or thunderstorms at times. Into late June, high pressure may begin to build with conditions becoming more widely dry and settled. Temperatures are likely to be above normal for many areas."
Regarding its long-range forecasting, the Met Office warns: "When looking at forecasts beyond five days into the future, the chaotic nature of the atmosphere begins to play a larger part - small events currently over the Atlantic can have potentially significant impacts on our weather in the UK and Ireland in several days' time."
