Britain is set to experience scorching temperatures in the coming weeks, with forecasters predicting a heatwave that could see parts of the UK hotter than some Mediterranean regions. According to weather maps from forecaster WXCharts, temperatures are expected to soar above 30C in multiple counties on June 19.
The south east of the country, including London and Surrey, is expected to face the highest temperatures, with a blistering 34C forecasted. Counties like Kent, Essex, and Sussex are not far behind, with temperatures expected to reach between 31C and 33C as southern England braces for the hot spell, affecting 19 counties.
The heatwave is anticipated to extend across East Anglia and parts of the Midlands, with regions like Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, and Cambridgeshire all projected to experience highs of around 30C. Areas like Rutland, Leicestershire, and parts of Lincolnshire are also expected to reach temperatures of 30C.
In the south-west, Devon and Cornwall are likely to have slightly cooler temperatures, with highs reaching around 28C. Wales is expected to see temperatures around 26C, dropping to approximately 25C in central areas.
A north-south temperature divide is anticipated, with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and much of Northern England not experiencing the extreme heat. Instead, temperatures in these regions are expected to range from the low teens to the mid-20s.
Before the heatwave arrives, the UK will face a period of heavy rain, with a significant rain system forecasted to sweep across the country on June 8. The Met Office is warning of changeable conditions with showers and longer spells of rain expected to persist.
As the new week begins, wet and windy weather is expected, with rain moving southeastwards across the country and turning heavy in the north and west, accompanied by gusty winds. Scotland and Northern Ireland are also likely to experience showers during this time.