The UK may be in for its hottest day of the year so far, with forecasters predicting temperatures could soar as high as 39C. This would surpass the current record of 37.7C set on June 26 in Lingwood, Norfolk.
GFS Model Points to Intense Heat
According to data from the Global Forecast System (GFS), several counties could see temperatures reach at least 38C early next month. If the prediction holds, it would mark the UK's fourth heatwave of the year, following previous ones in May, June, and July. The Met Office has already indicated that conditions could turn 'very warm' again by early August.
The GFS weather model shows temperatures climbing back to 30C as early as next Monday, particularly across southern and western parts of England. From there, the data points to 11 consecutive days where the mercury peaks at no less than 30C, building to an exceptional high on Thursday, August 6. On that date, temperatures could reach 38 to 39C across a wide swathe of eastern and south-eastern England, including London. The Midlands may experience highs of 36 to 37C, while parts of South Yorkshire could hit 31C, reports the Mirror.
Counties at Risk of Extreme Heat
Temperature anomaly maps for this period show England and Wales blanketed in deep red shading, indicating readings well above the seasonal norm. GFS model data suggests 10 English counties could reach 38C or above at the start of next month: Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Hertfordshire, Kent, Norfolk, Suffolk, Surrey, and Sussex.
Met Office Outlook
The Met Office has described the remainder of July as 'fairly changeable', with some regions likely to see 'above average' rainfall and a 'risk of strong winds at times'. Despite this unsettled outlook, temperatures are expected to be 'above average overall'. In early August, conditions are likely to remain 'rather mixed' with 'spells of rain or showers, alongside some drier and brighter intervals'. Things will then start to become more settled with the risk of 'hot weather and heatwaves' later in the month.
In the meantime, temperatures could climb significantly over the next few days. In a post on X, the Met Office wrote: "The heat will start re-building across parts of England and Wales this week, with temperatures possibly approaching 30C in places by Friday."
