A looming heatwave threatens to push temperatures in the UK up to 38C, as per weather forecasting maps. Yesterday marked the hottest day of the year, with a record-breaking 37.3C recorded in Santon Downham during an ongoing heatwave. The Met Office issued rare red weather warnings due to the extreme heat, accompanied by thunderstorms and lightning causing damage in some regions.
Although the Met Office’s latest forecast predicts a temporary drop in temperatures below 30C tomorrow, the likelihood of surpassing the 30C mark again remains high. The GFS weather model indicates a forthcoming four-day heatwave starting on July 8, with central and southern England expecting highs of 30C to 33C, reaching up to 36C near London on July 9 and potentially hitting 38C on July 10 in western England and the south.
By July 11, a resurgence of 38C temperatures is anticipated in various regions, including the north-west, Midlands, Yorkshire, and the south-east. The temperature anomaly maps reveal elevated temperatures well above the seasonal average, especially in England. The data from the GFS weather model also suggests that 17 counties in England could experience temperatures of 38C or above.
Looking ahead, the Met Office foresees hot conditions and a possibility of thundery showers in July. The forecast for July 11 to 25 indicates a prevailing high-pressure system, potentially leading to settled and drier conditions, albeit with occasional rain and stronger winds in the north. The forecast also hints at the likelihood of some unsettled conditions later in the period, with a chance of heavy and thundery showers. Overall, temperatures are expected to be above normal, with intermittent instances of hot weather.