The United Kingdom is bracing for an exceptional heatwave that could see temperatures soaring to 40 degrees Celsius, with some forecasters predicting a three-month summer scorcher. The record-breaking end to May was merely a taster of what is to come, according to meteorologists.
Jim Dale, a meteorologist for British Weather Services, stated: “We are going to get more heat like this through the summer, and it is a bit like a pan boiling until it boils over, and we see 40C, which is not out of the question.” He added: “From what we have seen so far this week before summer has even started, if we get another plume, which is inevitable, we can expect more exceptional summer temperatures.”
Dale attributed the rising temperatures to multiple factors, including climate change. He noted that the oceans are beginning to warm, which will affect summer temperatures. Additionally, the UK is experiencing an El Nino year, and while the main effect will be felt next year, it could have an impact later this summer. “I think we are going to see more of this sort of heat through the season,” he concluded.
Met Office Forecast
The Met Office has released its forecast for June 13 to June 27, which explains: “High pressure may become more dominant with weather conditions becoming drier and more settled, although some showery interludes are still possible. Temperatures likely to trend above average as we head further into June, with very warm spells possible in places.”
The Met Office predicts hotter-than-average temperatures until the end of July, threatening an increased risk of heatwaves and heat-related impacts. Its three-month outlook indicates a 40 percent chance of a hot summer, which is double the normal 20 percent probability.
Chief Forecaster's Comments
Chris Bulmer, Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, said: “We’re now starting to see this spell of very hot weather break down. Many areas will begin to feel fresher conditions moving in through Friday and into the weekend as a weak cold front moves southeast and becomes more established across most of the UK by Saturday.”
He added: “As the heat starts to ease, the weather will also turn more changeable, with some showers and thunderstorms possible. By the weekend, temperatures should be much closer to average for the time of year with accompanying rainfall for many through the weekend and into the start of next week.”
