Hot weather looks set to continue into next week
A period of warm, dry and settled weather is continuing for much of the UK this weekend and into next week, with temperatures currently forecast to reach 27°C in Herefordshire.
Heatwave criteria will be met in some areas in southern and central England and Wales. A UK heatwave threshold is met 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.
The highest temperatures could reach 33°C on Tuesday, although temperatures will also be widely above average this weekend and through next week.
A Level Three Heat Health Alert has been issued for next week, highlighting the potential health impacts of this type of weather.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, David Oliver, said: “The warm weather over much of England and Wales could last for much of next week. In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius over the weekend, and then in the low 30s Celsius during the start of next week. Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year as well as dry and sunny for many areas.”
A Level Three Heat Health Alert has been issued for next week, highlighting the potential health impacts of these high temperatures.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but also to check in on their vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are prepared for the warm conditions ahead.
“High temperatures are predicted for a prolonged period, so make sure to follow our simple health advice to beat the heat, such as covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and making sure that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.”
Find out more about keeping cool in hot weather with WeatherReady from the Met Office.
Sam Hughes, National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI said: “It is great to hear that the sun is on its way but we want to remind everyone to stay safe at the coast. If you are planning on going to the beach we would encourage you to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.”
Further ahead
The warm spell will continue for southern and central areas into next week, with only a slight dip in peak temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday before a possible move back to very high temperatures at the end of next week and over the following weekend.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Oliver added: “Weather forecast models are run hundreds of times to determine the most likely weather outcome. There are some runs, or solutions, that allow more extreme temperatures to develop into next weekend. This is something we are monitoring closely and which will add more detail on over the coming days.”