Britons hoping to enjoy barbecues, beach outings or outdoor festivals this weekend are in for a treat, as a June heatwave is set to bring some of the warmest weather of the year so far. Forecasts suggest parts of the UK could be hotter than southern Europe, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 32°C on Saturday and Sunday – surpassing those in Portugal and the south of France. The Met Office predicts that Manchester and Newcastle will bask in the high twenties, while London and Kent may exceed 30°C.
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An official heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed a set threshold for three consecutive days – ranging from 25°C in northern and western regions to 28°C in London and the Home Counties. According to Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Tony Wisson, many areas could meet the criteria by the weekend, particularly in the Midlands, the eastern counties, and parts of east Wales. He noted that while London and the south-east are expected to see the hottest temperatures, other regions will also enjoy unusually warm conditions.
The high pressure responsible for the heat is forecast to begin easing early next week, bringing a drop in temperatures. Nonetheless, some weather models suggest the mercury could climb into the mid-30s by Monday, although this is considered a less likely outcome. Even after the peak, much of the UK is expected to stay warm. London is forecast to see mid-20s sunshine next week, while Glasgow could reach 22°C, albeit with the occasional spell of rain. Festivalgoers heading to Glastonbury from 25 June will be pleased to hear that the warm weather may continue, though rain could arrive by Friday, 27 June.
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In response to the heat, the Met Office is advising the public to stay hydrated and remain in the shade during peak UV hours from 11am to 3pm. Although no heat-health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency so far, the London Fire Brigade has cautioned residents about the increased risk of wildfires. Charlie Pugsley, deputy commissioner, warned that prolonged dry spells heighten fire risk, particularly when vegetation becomes tinder dry, citing recent examples both in the UK and abroad, including California and South Korea.
