UK heatwave to last even longer than expected as Met Office issues update | Weather | News
Temperatures are expected to reach 35 degrees this week as the UK prepares for the longest heatwave in 50 years. The heatwave is predicted to last longer than expected and Thursday and Friday will bring the hottest conditions of the current weather. Some areas can even reach temperatures of 35 to 36 degrees as high pressure keeps skies clear, conditions dry and sunshine common.
Amber and yellow temperature health warnings have been issued by the UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA); This means significant impacts to health and social care services are likely due to high temperatures. This heatwave could be one of the longest heatwaves the UK has seen since 1976. According to the Met Office, prolonged periods of hot weather will continue into next week. The forecaster added: “Although temperatures will gradually ease across southern and eastern parts of the UK over the weekend and next week, very hot weather will persist as the focus of highest temperatures shifts towards the south-west.”
Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave will last. While temperatures are expected to ease across south-east England over the weekend and into next week, there will be no direct end to this hot weather.
“High pressure is expected to persist for much of next week, but will gradually move northward. This means an easterly wind will settle in the south and the focus of the warmest conditions will move southwestward.”
“As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures in recent weeks will begin to cool, but the weather will remain very warm, particularly in the south-west, and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in some places.
“The general signal is that the weather will continue into next week for many parts of the UK, but there is a possibility of storms spreading to parts of the south and south-west.”
A spokesman for the National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) also said: “When the weather remains hot and dry, it only takes a spark to start a bushfire. “A small fire can spread incredibly quickly, putting people, homes, wildlife and our countryside at risk.
“We ask everyone to take extra care outdoors, such as avoiding disposable barbecues in rural areas, parks or moors, or ensuring cigarettes are completely extinguished. A few simple actions can make a big difference and help prevent fires before they start.”
Temperatures will continue to be intense throughout the weekend, particularly in the south-west of England, where temperatures could reach 34°C on Saturday and around 33°C on Sunday before a slow decline begins.
Further north, Scotland and Northern Ireland will also experience unusually warm conditions; Temperatures will likely reach 27 to 28°C on Friday and remain in the mid-20s through the weekend.
