Temperatures are set to soar up to 36C today as certain areas of the UK brace for a return of heatwave conditions.
This latest hot spell marks the fourth heatwave of the year, with today’s heat expected to be more localized compared to the previous three occurrences.
According to the GFS weather model, temperatures could reach highs of 36C in parts of East Anglia and the south-east this afternoon. Eastern and south-eastern England are likely to experience temperatures around 35C. The Midlands may see highs of 32-33C, with temperatures possibly hitting 31C in Yorkshire. Wales anticipates highs of 25C, while Northern Ireland and Scotland are forecasted to be cooler.
Temperature anomaly maps reveal that central, eastern, and southern England are expected to experience significantly above-average temperatures later today, indicated by dark red shading.
An official heatwave is officially recognized when temperatures surpass the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days. In London and its vicinity, the threshold is 28C, gradually decreasing to 25C in regions further from the south-east. As a result, heatwave conditions are anticipated solely in England this week.
The GFS model projects that 11 counties in England could see temperatures exceeding 35C today.
The Met Office predicts that this week’s heatwave will be short-lived and not widespread across the entire UK. Temperatures are projected to decrease as the weekend approaches.
By Friday, temperatures are expected to return closer to the average for most parts of the UK, slightly below average in the far north. The southern regions are likely to retain some warmth due to the influence of high pressure, although the difference from midweek highs will be noticeable.