The intense heatwave enveloping the country is expected to subside over the upcoming weekend, as per data from the Met Office.
This past week witnessed record-breaking temperatures in parts of the UK, with London’s Kew Gardens reaching 35.1C and Bute Park in Cardiff hitting 32.9C, marking the hottest May day on record.
Temperatures have been steadily climbing throughout the week, with many weather stations in England and Wales surpassing their May temperature records. Several amber heat health alerts were issued in various regions including south-west England, West Midlands, East Midlands, east of England, the south-east, and London.
While the tropical heat is set to persist for most of the week, some areas will experience a temporary drop in temperatures on Wednesday due to cooler air moving into the North, Midlands, and eastern England, resulting in a 10C decrease.
Thursday is expected to see another temperature spike as hot air from France pushes northward, with highs of 32C in London, the east Midlands, and parts of the south-west. Friday will remain warm, with temperatures hovering around 29C.
As the weekend approaches, temperatures are projected to gradually decrease as the jet stream shifts southwards, leading to areas of low pressure, occasional rain, stronger winds, and cooler temperatures across the UK heading into June.
By Sunday, the warmest air is anticipated to move away to the south, bringing temperatures closer to, or slightly above, average for this time of year nationwide. Sunday is forecasted to be the first day since last Friday where temperatures in southern regions may peak below the heatwave threshold.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Andy Page mentioned that the late-spring heatwave is expected to persist for most of the current week, with warm nights likely in the south. Thunderstorms are possible in some areas due to the heat and humidity, with temperatures remaining above average but easing slightly towards the end of the week.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Burkill described the current temperatures as exceptionally hot and concerning, emphasizing the historic nature of the heatwave for this time of year.