When will the UK heatwave end? Met Office issues forecast for 15C drop in temperature
The Met Office has revealed when the heatwave is likely to end, bringing some relief as the UK prepares for extreme heat later this week.
A red warning for extreme heat has been issued in the south of England, the Midlands and parts of Wales on Wednesday and Thursday.
Temperatures are forecast to exceed 37°C over the next few days, possibly rising to 38°C or even 40°C in some areas, and have already caused disruption to schools and transport networks.
Temperatures will start to rise on Tuesday, reaching 37C in southern England and 35C in south-east Wales. However, the peak is expected to be on Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures are expected to rise to at least 39°C.
However, temperatures will be slightly cooler by Friday, with highs of 32C expected in eastern areas.
Warm and humid nights will also make it harder to weather this heatwave. Night temperatures in urban areas, known as tropical night, will not fall below 20 degrees.
The fact that the air is very humid makes the heat more effective. Normally the body cools itself through evaporation, but when it is humid the air is already saturated with water vapor and cannot absorb moisture from the skin. This means sweat cannot evaporate and remove heat from the body.
Heat-related health warnings were also issued by the United Kingdom Health Safety Agency (UKHSA), warning that this heat wave could pose a risk even for healthy individuals.
UKHSA Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection, Dr. Agostinho Sousa said: “A red heat health alert indicates a risk to life even for healthy populations, but simple actions such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day and keeping your home cool can make a big difference.
“It is also important to keep an eye out for others, especially older relatives, neighbors and those with underlying health conditions, to make sure they are aware of the forecast and follow the necessary advice.”
However, the sweltering nights and scorching daytime temperatures will begin to ease over the weekend, with cooler temperatures expected starting Friday.
Explaining when the heat will start to ease, the Met Office said: “High pressure is expected to move gradually eastwards on Friday and over the weekend, which will bring temperatures down slightly, but those in the South East will retain the exceptional heat longest.
“A period of rain and cloud is expected to arrive from the West, particularly the North West, on Friday and we will see a gradual shift towards a more westerly influence over the weekend with temperatures dropping to 20 degrees Celsius on Saturday and falling further on Sunday by the start of next week.”
Temperatures could be 15C cooler by Sunday, according to the Met Office; Maximum temperatures of 25C are expected in London and 20C in Cardiff.
