The UK is bracing for a second 'heat dome' heatwave within days, with weather maps indicating temperatures could soar to 41C by July 11. After a brief respite from last week's scorching conditions, new GFS weather model data suggests the country may experience its hottest day on record.
Forecast Details: From 35C to 41C
According to WX Charts maps, supported by BBC Weather predictions, temperatures are expected to climb from 35C on July 8 to 40C on July 10, potentially reaching 41C on July 11. The Met Office's long-range forecast states: "High pressure dominates the weather into the second week of July, especially across England and Wales. Temperatures are likely to be above normal on the whole, with a greater than normal chance of hot conditions developing at times."
Climate Experts Warn of Intensifying Heatwaves
Dr Theodore Keeping, an extreme weather and wildfire researcher at Imperial College London, emphasized the link between climate change and worsening heatwaves is "settled." He added: "Continued fossil-fuel emissions are directly responsible for the disruption people are experiencing this week in their homes, schools and workplaces. While many of us are used to snow shutting down schools, this generation is now growing up with 'heat days' as well."
Dr Akshay Deoras, senior research climate scientist at the University of Reading, told BBC Weather: "Unless we drastically cut down the emission of greenhouse gases, global warming is not going to stop. In fact, it will accelerate."
Summer Outlook: Above-Average Temperatures Expected
MeteoGroup, which provides BBC Weather with data, suggests an "increased chance of heatwaves and heat-related impacts" for the remainder of summer through August. They predict "above-average temperatures" for each month of July and August, with "significant bursts" of heat expected in the UK and across Europe.
The first heatwave last week was driven by a heat dome—an area of high pressure that stalls over a region and traps heat—settling over western Europe, bringing extreme conditions across the continent.
