Met Office verdict as UK set for heatwave next week
Weather experts at the Met Office have given their two cents over reports that the UK is set to bask in temperatures of up to 30 degrees Celsius.
Summer may finally be here, with the rain and cool temperatures of early June now set to stay firmly in the past if recent forecasts are anything to go by.
The end of June and into early July could now bring us glorious temperatures and sunshine that'll make those lunch breaks at work all about getting a fresh dose of vitamin D. Just remember the suncream.
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And according to boffins at the Met Office, which is the UK's national weather service, we're going to hit 30 degrees Celsius on some weather stations across the country. Bliss.
Neil Armstrong, a Met Office chief forecaster, said: “After a brief, less settled, interlude on Friday and Saturday, fine conditions will return by Sunday and into next week. For much of the UK this will be accompanied by a boost in temperatures with many places reaching the mid 20°Cs by the middle of next week.
"Some central and southern areas are likely to see temperatures approaching the values needed for heatwave conditions.
"Heatwave conditions need to remain in situ for three consecutive days, and by the middle of next week it is possible that some parts of the UK could be reaching heatwave thresholds. However, whether or not everyone experiences heatwave thresholds, the majority of the UK will experience the finest conditions and highest temperatures so far this year.”
Western parts of the UK will be affected by an approaching weak weather front today and Saturday, bringing some wetter conditions to north western Scotland. Sorry lads.
And although there is a chance that some of the country's more isolated weather stations could record 30°C around the middle of next week, overnight temperatures will be lower, providing some respite for those who struggle with hot conditions.
Where in the UK will get the best weather?
The best weather will come to the London area, with highs of 29°C by Wednesday next week (26 June). This will also apply to the city's surroundings such as Southend-on-Sea and Chelmsford.
From Monday to Thursday, highs of 27°C will be expected right across England and southern Wales; the only exceptions being the North West, parts of Yorkshire, the east coast, and South West. That's not to say these areas will have bad weather, with highs of 24°C still expected across the week for the rest of the UK.
Good news if you're heading to Glastonbury, then, as the timing couldn't be better.
Posting on X (formerly Twitter), BBC forecaster Simon King said: "Is a heatwave on the way? Maybe. Remember there's a criteria that needs to be met depending on where you live, but with temperatures up to the mid to high 20s early next week... it'll be close to the heatwave threshold for some."
When does hot weather officially turn into a heatwave?
According to the Met Office, a heatwave is officially when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.
The threshold varies by UK county, with it 28°C in London and surrounding counties. In comparison, the threshold is 25°C in the likes of Scotland, Yorkshire, Lancashire, most of Wales, and Cornwall.
"Heatwaves are most common in summer when high pressure develops across an area. High pressure systems are slow moving and can persist over an area for a prolonged period of time, such as days or weeks," the weather service says.
Staying safe in the sea and the sun
Samantha Hughes, National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI, said: “The forecasted warm weather will mean we’ll see more visitors at the coast and we always want people to enjoy themselves safely.
“Entering the water during warm weather can increase the risk of cold water shock due to the sudden changes in skin temperatures. Enter the water gradually and avoid jumping or diving straight in to reduce your risk of cold-water shock.
“If you’re planning on heading to the beach, we highly recommend you visit one that is lifeguarded and you swim between the red and yellow flags. This is the safest area and is most closely monitored by lifeguards.
“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live. Tilt your head back with ears submerged and try to relax and control your breathing. Use your hands to help you stay afloat and then call for help or swim to safety if you can. In an emergency at the coast, call 999 or 112 and ask for the Coastguard or ask for the fire service if you are near inland waters.”
Tom Earnshaw