Britain is bracing itself for a significant heatwave as temperatures are set to soar to levels not commonly seen in June for nearly a century. After a relatively cool spell, the mercury is climbing again, with forecasts predicting blistering highs, especially across southern and eastern England, as the nation faces several days of intense heat.
According to the Met Office and weather maps from WXCharts, the hottest day is expected to be Monday, June 30, when temperatures could reach 34C in parts of the UK. This would mark only the fourth time since the 1930s that June has seen such soaring temperatures. London and areas north of the capital, including Cambridge, are likely to be among the hottest spots, with central and eastern England broadly experiencing highs above 30C.
June 21 already recorded the warmest day of the year, hitting 33.2C in Charlwood near Gatwick. Though recent days have seen a dip due to rainfall, the heat is set to return with a vengeance. The UK is currently under the influence of a high-pressure system dominating much of continental Europe, creating a 'heat dome' effect that traps warm air over the region. This phenomenon is the driving force behind the soaring temperatures forecasted, especially in the south, while cooler Atlantic air tempers conditions in the north.
BBC weather forecaster Darren Bett highlighted the developing heatwave, saying, "Temperatures will continue to rise for many of us over the next few days, heatwave developing more across England and east Wales, it is not going to be as hot across Scotland and Northern Ireland." He added that the peak of the heat on Monday might push temperatures as high as 34C in the southeast, though Scotland and Northern Ireland will experience milder conditions.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin elaborated on the weekend's weather, noting that while the start would be fairly grey and damp in central Scotland and parts of Northern Ireland, conditions would improve. "That rain should be edging away to the south, so Belfast cheering up, Glasgow, Edinburgh also looking brighter by the time we get to Saturday lunchtime, and a much brighter day overall for the Highlands of Scotland," he said.
Deakin also described the varied weather conditions across the UK on Saturday, June 28. Northern England would see a grey day with on-and-off rain across Cumbria, and North Wales, particularly Anglesey, would likely experience some showers. However, much of England and Wales would remain dry with sunshine, especially East Wales, southwest England, the Midlands, and eastern England. The eastern zone, including the capital, would see the highest temperatures, likely reaching 29 to 30 degrees Celsius.
Despite breezy and gusty winds in some areas, particularly the north and west, many parts of southern England could expect a balmy evening with lighter winds compared to the previous day. Sunday, June 29, was forecasted to start humid, with a zone of cloudier weather lingering over parts of Northern England and North Wales, but most places would remain dry. Temperatures were expected to climb further, with highs of 30 to 31 degrees Celsius in the southeast.
While the heatwave promises to bring sunny, warm weather to much of the UK, it also comes with health warnings. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber and yellow heat health alerts covering several regions. The amber alert affects London, the East Midlands, South East, South West, and East of England, while yellow alerts cover Yorkshire and Humber and the West Midlands. These alerts are in place from midday on Friday, June 27, until 6 pm on Tuesday, July 1.
The UKHSA warns of an "increased risk to health" and a "rise in deaths" among vulnerable groups, including those aged 65 and over and individuals with pre-existing health conditions. In amber alert areas, younger people may also be affected. Dr Akshay Deoras, a research scientist at the University of Reading, urged the public to treat extreme heat with the same caution as dangerous storms. He advised staying indoors during the hottest parts of the day, staying hydrated by drinking water regularly—even without feeling thirsty—and avoiding alcohol, which can accelerate dehydration.
Dr Deoras also recommended wearing loose, light-coloured clothing and using a wide-brimmed hat when outdoors. He stressed the importance of recognizing symptoms such as dizziness, nausea, rapid heartbeat, or headaches, which could escalate into life-threatening heatstroke if ignored. Those experiencing these symptoms should move to cooler areas, remove excess clothing, and apply cold water to the skin.
As the UK grapples with this intense heatwave, relief is expected by midweek. WXCharts forecasts a band of wet weather moving into the country on Monday evening, June 30, into Tuesday, July 1. Heavy rain is anticipated in northern towns such as Gateshead, South Shields, Hexham in England; Holywood, Carrickfergus, Whitehead, and Hillsborough in Northern Ireland; and central Scottish towns including Stirling, Ayr, North Berwick, Linlithgow, South Queensferry, and Dunfermline. This rainfall could bring welcome respite from the heat, especially as Monday is predicted to be one of the hottest and most humid 24 hours of the year so far.
The Met Office's five-day forecast reflects this transition. Monday is expected to be hot and sunny in southern and eastern areas, while the northwest will experience cloudier skies and rain. This wet weather is forecast to gradually move southeast, introducing fresher, cooler conditions by midweek. Temperatures are expected to drop to the mid-20s Celsius by Wednesday and Thursday, offering a break from the heatwave.
Meanwhile, the UK is witnessing a stark contrast to the extreme heat gripping parts of Europe. Spain is forecasted to hit a blistering 47C this weekend, Italy is dealing with melting roads, and Greece continues to battle devastating wildfires. While the UK’s heatwave is intense, it pales in comparison to these severe continental conditions.
For those eager to enjoy the sunshine, Monday, June 30, may be the best day to make the most of the heat, especially in Wales where temperatures could reach as high as 32C in Monmouth and 29C in Cardiff. Swansea and Carmarthen will also see warm afternoons, with highs around 25C to 30C. However, the heat will be tempered by the incoming rain later that evening.
As the heatwave unfolds, it remains crucial for residents to stay informed and take necessary precautions. The combination of high temperatures and humidity can pose serious health risks, making awareness and preparation key to weathering this spell of summer heat safely.
