A national heatwave that has engulfed the country is expected to ease this weekend, as per forecasts from the Met Office. This week witnessed record-breaking temperatures in the UK, with London’s Kew Gardens reaching 35.1C and Bute Park in Cardiff hitting 32.9C.
Temperatures have been steadily climbing, leading to numerous local temperature records being broken across England and Wales for May. Several amber heat health alerts were issued in various regions of England.
Although the hot weather is set to persist for most of the week, some relief is expected on Wednesday in parts of the North, Midlands, and eastern England with a 10C drop in temperature. Thursday will see temperatures rise again as hot air from France moves northward, reaching highs of 32C in London and other regions.
The weekend will bring a gradual cooling trend as the jet stream shifts southward, bringing lower temperatures, rain, and stronger winds across the UK. By Sunday, temperatures are forecasted to return to near-average levels, marking a departure from the intense heat experienced earlier in the week.
Met Office Chief Forecaster Andy Page mentioned the continuation of the late-spring heatwave, with warm nights expected in the south. Thunderstorms may develop in some areas due to the heat and humidity. A shift in temperature focus is anticipated later in the week, leading to near-normal temperatures by Sunday with increased chances of rain.
Meteorologist Alex Burkill described the current temperatures as “exceedingly hot” and “exceptional,” emphasizing the historic nature of the heatwave. The significant temperature surpassing May records is deemed extraordinary and concerning.
