The recent intense heatwave affecting the country is expected to subside over the upcoming weekend, as indicated by data from the Met Office.
This past week saw some areas in the UK recording the highest May temperatures ever documented, with peaks of 35.1C in London’s Kew Gardens and 32.9C in Bute Park, Cardiff.
Temperatures have been steadily climbing throughout the week, with most weather stations in England and Wales surpassing their local May temperature records. Six amber heat health alerts were issued in various regions including south-west England, the West Midlands, East Midlands, east of England, the south-east, and London.
While the tropical heat is forecasted to persist for much of this week, some regions will experience a brief relief from the scorching temperatures on Wednesday due to cooler air moving into parts of the North, Midlands, and eastern England, resulting in a 10C temperature drop.
Thursday is anticipated to see another temperature surge as the inflow of hot air from France displaces the cooler air, leading to highs of 32C in London, the east Midlands, and parts of the south-west. Friday’s temperatures are expected to remain high, with a slight decrease to 29C.
As the weekend approaches, temperatures are projected to gradually decrease as the jet stream shifts southwards, bringing areas of low pressure, intermittent rain, stronger winds, and a decline in temperatures across the UK heading into the first week of June.
By Sunday, the warmest air is predicted to move away to the south, with temperatures aligning around or slightly above average for this time of the year throughout the UK. It will be the first day since last Friday that southern areas are expected to peak below the heatwave threshold.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Andy Page noted that the unusually high late-spring temperatures are set to persist, with the possibility of very warm nights in the south. Isolated thunderstorms may develop due to the heat and humidity, particularly in parts of England. The focus of highest temperatures is expected to shift westwards and then gradually ease later in the week, returning to near-normal temperatures by Sunday along with increased chances of showers and rain spells.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill described the current temperatures as “exceedingly hot” and “exceptional,” highlighting the significance of surpassing May temperature records by a considerable margin, indicating an extraordinary and concerning weather event.