In less than two weeks, the United Kingdom is expected to experience scorching temperatures, potentially surpassing parts of the Mediterranean. Weather forecasts indicate a heatwave with temperatures reaching up to 34C across various counties on June 19. The south-eastern regions, particularly London and Surrey, are likely to face the most intense heat, with temperatures soaring to a blistering 34C.
Counties such as Kent, Essex, and Sussex are also anticipated to experience high temperatures ranging from 31C to 33C as the heatwave grips southern England, affecting a total of 19 counties. The heat is predicted to extend to East Anglia and parts of the Midlands, with regions like Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Oxfordshire, Hampshire, and Cambridgeshire expecting highs of around 30C.
Additionally, Rutland, Leicestershire, and sections of Lincolnshire are forecasted to reach 30C temperatures. Further southwest, areas like Devon and Cornwall might experience slightly milder conditions with temperatures reaching around 28C. Wales is expected to see highs of approximately 26C, while central areas could experience temperatures around 25C.
A north-south temperature divide is projected, with Scotland, Northern Ireland, and parts of Northern England likely to miss out on the heatwave. Instead, temperatures in these regions are expected to range from the low teens to the mid-20s. However, before the arrival of the scorching temperatures, the UK is set to face a significant rain system sweeping across the country on June 8, followed by the gradual rise in temperatures.
The Met Office has issued warnings of changeable conditions with showers and prolonged spells of rain expected to persist. The beginning of the following week is anticipated to be wet and windy, with rain moving southeastwards across the country, intensifying in the north and west and accompanied by gusty winds. Showers are also predicted for Scotland and Northern Ireland during this period.