The Met Office has announced the likelihood of a third heatwave across the UK by the end of this week, with temperatures expected to climb into the low 30s Celsius and persistently warm nights potentially causing sleep disruptions.
Following a weekend marked by cooler weather, cloud cover, and rain in much of England and Wales, meteorologists say the stage is set for the next heatwave. A heatwave is officially declared when temperatures reach approximately 25°C to 28°C for three consecutive days, though this threshold varies regionally—for example, the West Country requires a minimum of 26°C.
Senior Met Office meteorologist Marco Petagna explained, “Wednesday is looking like the day we’ll start hitting those 25 to 28°C benchmarks, depending on the location. However, since a technical heatwave requires three consecutive days at these levels, we expect the official heatwave status will be granted around Friday.”
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Petagna continued, “Temperatures will keep rising toward the end of the week, with Friday and Saturday potentially seeing highs nudging into the low 30s. Humidity levels may also start increasing by the weekend, and warm nights could add to discomfort.”
While the peak and duration of this heatwave remain uncertain, forecasts suggest the UK will avoid the extreme temperatures seen in parts of Southern Europe, where highs have soared into the mid-30s and 40s.
“There’s still some variability in models concerning how long the heat will last into early next week,” Petagna noted. “Some forecasts show the heat retreating sooner, while others suggest it may persist. But at least through the next weekend, hot weather is expected to continue across southern parts of the UK, with temperatures reaching low 30s in some areas. High pollen and UV levels are also anticipated.”
Regional breakdown highlights include parts of Gloucestershire, where highs could reach 32°C on Friday, and more southwestern areas experiencing upper 20s.
Detailed forecast:
- Monday: Cloudy start with showers in the east; clearing from the north with a dry, sunny afternoon. Maximum around 22°C, cooled slightly by a northwesterly breeze.
- Monday night: Dry with patchy cloud and clear intervals; cooler in rural areas; minimum around 12°C.
- Tuesday: Mostly sunny day with some patchy clouds in the west; gentle warm breeze; highs around 23°C.
- Wednesday to Friday: Variable cloud with largely dry conditions and sunshine increasing by Friday; light winds and rising temperatures expected.
The approaching heatwave signals the ongoing transition to warmer summer conditions, raising the importance of staying prepared for warm days and warmer nights ahead.