The UK is finally set to experience its first heatwave of summer, with temperatures expected to reach 28C and above, meeting the heatwave threshold. Highs of 28C and above are forecast across southern and central regions, marking the first significant warm spell since the beginning of summer on June 1.
Heatwave Expected from Thursday
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill indicated that the heatwave could be triggered from Thursday, June 18. He stated: "There are signs that we could see another heatwave by the end of the week and into the weekend. We could get temperatures, particularly across central-eastern parts, of 27C or 28C, so we could be looking at getting to heatwave threshold."
Mr Burkill added: "Thursday is likely to be the first hot day before temperatures rise through the weekend." He explained that high pressure building across the UK will bring warmer air, leading to rising temperatures. However, he noted uncertainty compared to the May heatwave, but a heatwave at the end of the week is not out of the question.
Southern Regions Could Hit 30C
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services and co-author of 'Surviving Extreme Weather', said: "Temperatures will rise through the week as high pressure builds to the south and brings warm air in from the Continent. The hottest weather is forecast for the south of the country, and it will be fresher further north. The southeast could hit 30C by the weekend, and this would put the UK back into heatwave territory."
Coral spokesman John Hill noted increased betting on a record-breaking summer, saying: "Britons appear to be betting on swapping their brollies for sun loungers this summer. Support for a record-breaking summer has been relentless, and it's now the odds-on favourite."
Weather Outlook for the Week
The BBC Weather team reports growing uncertainty for the rest of the week. On Tuesday, another Atlantic system may bring wet and windy weather, though the south-east corner could stay drier. This pattern may last for a couple of days, with wettest conditions in the north and west, and drier, warmer weather in the south and east. High pressure may reassert at the weekend, bringing drier weather more widely with further warming.
