Britons can expect even hotter weather ahead as temperatures are projected to reach up to 35C following a record-breaking June. Weather forecasts indicate that 30 counties will experience temperatures of 30C or higher next Wednesday to Thursday as a surge of hot air moves across England.
The United Kingdom recently set a provisional June temperature record of 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk, surpassing the previous record from 1976 by more than 2C. The Met Office reported that temperatures in the southern regions will start in the low to mid-20s this week but are likely to climb to the high 20s and early 30s over the weekend and into the following week.
Latest weather charts suggest that the peak heat conditions on Wednesday will first emerge in central and southern England before spreading eastward the next day, focusing on areas like London, Home Counties, Essex, Kent, and East Anglia. On Wednesday, temperatures are expected to rise into the low 30s across large portions of southern and central England, with isolated areas, including parts of Oxfordshire, reaching highs of 35C.
By Thursday, the intense heat zone is anticipated to expand and move further east, with numerous counties expected to surpass 30C as temperatures soar once more. The Midlands is also forecasted to maintain temperatures above 30C, with significant heat covering much of England. Northern areas like Yorkshire, Greater Manchester, and Merseyside are likely to approach 30C as warm air moves through England.
Throughout Wednesday and Thursday, the core of the heat is predicted to shift eastward, turning southern and eastern England into deep red zones with temperatures climbing into the low and mid-30s. Wales is set to experience temperatures ranging from the mid to high 20s, while eastern Scotland could reach around 27C or 28C. Northern Ireland, western Scotland, and the far north are expected to remain cooler, avoiding the extreme heat.
The Met Office’s forecast for July 6-15 indicates that high pressure will dominate across England and Wales, extending northward to bring dry and warm conditions with ample sunshine. Scotland and Northern Ireland may initially see more cloud and occasional rain but could also experience drier and warmer weather as the high pressure spreads. Temperatures are expected to be warm, possibly locally hot in southeastern parts, though not as intense as the previous week.