Met Office reveals when to expect next heatwave in the UK

Last month was the driest July for England and Wales since Met Office records began in 1836. <i>(Image: Ben Whitley/PA Wire)</i>
Last month was the driest July for England and Wales since Met Office records began in 1836. (Image: Ben Whitley/PA Wire)
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A fifth heatwave of the year is on the way, with scorching temperatures and health warnings coming into force across the country.

Last month was the driest July for England and Wales since records began in 1836, according to provisional figures released by the Met Office.

Nineteen counties across England recorded effectively no rainfall (1mm or less) during the month.



Is there going to be another heatwave?

Met Office forecasts show more hot weather is on the way in the coming days as the UK braces for its fifth heatwave of the year.

Parts of the UK are expected to reach as high as 36°C, with temperatures set to climb this weekend and intensify into next week.

Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, Mike Silverstone, said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend and, more significantly, through much of next week.

"After a brief dip on Monday, high pressure will move across the UK before settling to the east, allowing a southerly flow to develop.

"A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places.

"The heat is expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34°C possible in parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales.

"East Anglia and south-east England, however, could see temperatures even higher on Thursday.

"Humidity levels are also expected to increase through the week, which may make conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight."

Current forecasts show highs of up to 30°C on Saturday (August 8), with temperatures climbing into the low 30s in southern England by Sunday (August 9).

After a slight dip early in the week, temperatures are expected to climb again, reaching 34°C on Wednesday (August 12) and peaking at 36°C on Thursday (August 14) in parts of East Anglia and the south-east.

Yellow health warnings issued due to new heatwave

The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts for the following areas:

  • East Midlands
  • West Midlands
  • South East
  • South West
  • East of England
  • Yorkshire and the Humber
  • London


The warnings come into effect at 9am on Saturday and will be in place until 9pm on Tuesday (August 11).

They highlight the increased risk to health, particularly for older people and those with underlying conditions.

Staying safe in hot weather 

With temperatures expected to rise again, the Met Office has advised people to take sensible precautions in the heat, including:

  • Staying hydrated
  • Avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day
  • Checking on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours

What are your tips for staying cool during this next heatwave? Let us know in the comments below.

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