The UK is bracing for an extended spell of hot weather, with temperatures predicted to soar above 30C in parts of England and Wales by Monday, marking what could be the third heatwave this year. This prolonged period is expected to last into mid-July, with peak temperatures forecast for the middle to latter part of next week.
The high-pressure system from the Azores will bring intense conditions, with southern and south-eastern England potentially seeing highs of 33C by Tuesday. Temperatures of 30C are possible as far north as South Yorkshire, while north-eastern England and eastern Scotland may experience temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius.
Western areas of the UK will escape the worst of the heat thanks to an Atlantic breeze, limiting temperatures to the low to mid-20s Celsius. The Lake District, western Scotland, Lancashire, and Northern Ireland can expect a respite from the sweltering conditions.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued Yellow heat health alerts for several regions, covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, south-east England, and south-west England. These alerts, in place from Saturday to Saturday 11th July, highlight an elevated risk to health, particularly for vulnerable individuals, due to the expected high temperatures.
The heatwave is being driven by a ridge of high pressure from the Azores High, projected to extend north-eastwards across the UK. This atmospheric pattern, coupled with a shift in the jet stream, will lead to settled weather, characterised by abundant sunshine and dry conditions across much of the nation.