Temperatures are set to soar to a peak of 36C today as certain areas in the UK brace for another round of heatwave conditions. This marks the fourth heatwave of the year, albeit with a more localized impact compared to previous occurrences.
According to the GFS weather model, East Anglia and the south-east could experience highs of 36C this afternoon, with temperatures reaching 35C across much of eastern and south-eastern parts of England. The Midlands might see temperatures ranging from 32-33C, with a possibility of hitting 31C as far north as Yorkshire. Wales is expected to peak at 25C, while Northern Ireland and Scotland are likely to experience cooler conditions.
Maps highlighting temperature anomalies indicate that central, eastern, and southern England are forecasted to see temperatures significantly above the seasonal average later today. Official heatwave criteria are met when temperatures surpass the threshold for three consecutive days. The threshold varies from 28C in London to 25C in regions further from the south-east, leading to heatwave conditions being confined to England this week.
The GFS model predicts that 11 counties in England may witness temperatures exceeding 35C today. The Met Office notes that the current heatwave will be brief and not widespread across the entire UK, with temperatures expected to decrease towards the weekend.
By Friday, temperatures are projected to return closer to average levels for most of the UK, dropping slightly below average in the northern regions. The southern parts are likely to retain some warmth due to prevailing high-pressure conditions, though the difference from midweek highs will be noticeable.
