A new heatwave is set to hit the UK this week, with the Met Office predicting temperatures could reach up to 35C on Wednesday. Weather maps indicate that around 20 counties may experience temperatures of 30C or higher.
Tuesday will see a build-up of heat, especially in south-east England, with temperatures expected to reach 29C or 30C before peaking on Wednesday.
The Met Office’s forecast map for Wednesday afternoon shows hot temperatures, with highs of 34C in Cambridge, Norfolk, and Suffolk, and 33C in London and parts of the Home Counties.
These high temperatures are anticipated to meet or surpass the local thresholds required for the UK to declare its fourth heatwave of the year. Amber heat-health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for several regions, warning of potential impacts on health and social care services, particularly for vulnerable populations.
Yellow heat-health alerts have also been issued for other regions, with alerts in place from Wednesday morning until Thursday morning. The Met Office forecaster mentioned that while the heatwave will be short-lived, temperatures will rise rapidly, especially in the southeast, meeting official heatwave criteria.
In contrast, other parts of the UK will experience more changeable weather, with cooler and unsettled conditions expected to arrive sooner from the north and west. Northern areas may see heavier showers and a slight risk of isolated thunderstorms throughout the week.