The Met Office has confirmed that temperatures will reach 31C starting Monday, July 6, with a five-day heatwave expected. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert from 12pm on Saturday, July 4 until 5pm on Wednesday, July 8.
Temperature Forecast
London is expected to see 28C on Saturday, July 4, and 29C on Sunday, July 5, before peaking at 31C on Monday afternoon. The Met Office's short-term forecast states: "Rain clearing south early in the morning to leave a sunny day for most. Winds falling light as the day progresses so a pleasant afternoon to come."
Outlook for Friday to Sunday
The outlook adds: "High pressure building through this period, to give plenty of warm sunshine and light winds throughout. Perhaps a little more in the way of cloud on Saturday."
Expert Comment
Met Office Scientist Dr Emily Carlisle said: "This June is a clear example of how UK weather can deliver both unsettled conditions and record-breaking heat within the same month. The intensity of the late June heatwave, combined with exceptionally warm nights, has driven England’s warmest June on record for mean temperature, while the UK and Wales recorded their second warmest June on record. Coming 50 years after the 1976 heatwave, it also highlights how similar events are now playing out in a warmer climate, with higher temperatures and more widespread impacts than we would have seen in the past."
Detailed Daily Forecast
Thursday will start windy with a few lingering showers, turning dry later, according to the BBC Weather team. By the afternoon, winds will ease and plenty of sunny spells will develop. The outlook for Friday to Sunday says: "Friday looks to be dry and sunny, although hazy at times. A very warm day. Saturday will stay dry and very warm. Sunshine in the morning. Patchy cloud and sunny spells in the afternoon. Very warm but cloudier on Sunday. There will be cloudy periods along with hazy sunny spells. Remaining dry."
Extended Outlook
A July 6 onwards forecast said: "High pressure will dominate across England and Wales into next week, likely extending its influence across more of the northern UK with time. This will bring dry and warm conditions with plenty of sunshine for most. Scotland and Northern Ireland will probably see more cloud at first, with periods of rain at times. Through next week though the high pressure may extend northwards to bring periods of drier and warmer weather to Scotland and Northern Ireland. Winds will be light to moderate for most, though stronger around northern hills and coasts near low pressure systems. Temperatures becoming widely warm, perhaps locally hot in parts of the southeast, although not as hot nor humid as seen in the past week."
