The United Kingdom is gearing up for the hottest temperatures of 2023 as a heatwave sweeps across the nation this week.
According to the Met Office, maximum temperatures of 32°C are forecasted for Wednesday and Thursday, potentially rivaling this year’s record high of 32.2°C recorded in June.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow alert covering all of England except the North East, in effect from 2 pm on Monday until 9 pm on September 10, in response to the impending heatwave.
Meteorologist Rachel Ayers, in her capacity as senior meteorologist, indicated that the criteria for a heatwave are likely to be met in multiple locations over the next few days, resulting in “very warm to hot” conditions for much of the UK.
It is plausible that this month will witness the highest temperatures of 2023, with the current record standing at 32.2°C recorded on both June 10 and 25.
Ms. Ayers provided a weather outlook, stating, “On Tuesday, there will be some patchy cloud cover in the far southwest and later in Northern Ireland, with a slight risk of isolated showers or thunderstorms. Elsewhere, once any low-lying clouds, mist, and fog dissipate, it will be dry with ample sunshine.”
“Temperatures will range from 27 to 30°C in central and southern areas, with a possibility of reaching 31°C inland in isolated locations.”
She continued, “On Wednesday, mist and fog will once again clear as low clouds recede toward the coast in the morning, paving the way for another very warm or hot day.”
She noted, “There might be some patchy cloudiness in the far west and Northern Ireland, with a chance of showers moving into the South West during the evening, accompanied by a risk of isolated thunderstorms. Temperatures will soar to 32°C in central and southeastern England.”
“Thursday will bring another fine day after the early mist and fog disperses. Coastal areas along the North Sea may remain cloudier, as well as inland areas initially, but clouds will retreat toward the coast.”
“Sunshine will be somewhat hazier in the west compared to previous days. Overnight, showers will advance northward in the west, with some rain outbreaks in the far northwest of Scotland.”
“Temperatures are expected to reach 32°C in central and southeastern England.”
Looking ahead to Friday, most regions are anticipated to remain dry with sunny intervals. Pockets of cloud cover may limit sunshine in certain areas, with a slight possibility of isolated showers or thunderstorms, primarily in the west.
Patchy rain is likely, at least for a period, in the far northwest, potentially followed by brighter, drier, and cooler conditions. Winds are expected to remain mainly light, although they may intensify in the northwest.
Conditions are set to remain very warm or hot for many areas, with the potential for humidity. Coastal regions may experience low cloud cover and cooler temperatures, and some northern regions could witness the arrival of cooler air.
Temperatures are projected to climb to 31°C in central and southeastern England.
As the weekend approaches, cooler weather is anticipated, with a shift towards unsettled conditions next week, when temperatures will revert to the September average.