UK weather: When heatwave could return as Met Office forecasts temperatures to surge

The Met Office is forecasting temperatures to reach heatwave criteria in some areas of the UK this week.

July 8

Generally a fine and dry day ahead for many, with plenty of sunny spells. Cloudier skies towards northwest Scotland and Northern Ireland, with a little patchy light rain possible. Warmer.

July 9 to July 10

Mainly dry as high pressure builds through this period. Plenty of sunny spells, though the far northwest will be remain cloudy initially. Turning very warm, locally hot once again.

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley

Dan Holley, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office said: “High pressure from the Atlantic will gradually exert its influence over the UK this week. We’ll see temperatures build day-on-day, with the potential for hot conditions to become quite widespread by the end of the week and into the weekend.

“On Wednesday, temperatures could reach up to 28°C in parts of England, climbing to 30°C on Thursday and 32°C by Friday. By this stage, heatwave criteria are likely to be met in parts of England and Wales, and in parts of Scotland over the weekend.

“High temperatures are likely to persist into the weekend, especially away from coasts with onshore winds, reaching the low 30s in portions of England and Wales, and accompanied by rising humidity and warmer nights.

“This heatwave is likely to last longer than previous ones so far this summer, and affect a wider area, with the focus for some of the highest temperatures displaced across more central and western areas at times. In addition, pollen and UV levels will also be very high in some areas.”