UK weather maps show scorching 39C heatwave hitting in days as 30 counties face 30C or more

UK weather maps show scorching 39C heatwave hitting in days as 30 counties face 30C or more New forecasts predict the UK is set for scorching temperatures close to 40C at the end of this month because of a high pressure system over the Continent Brits face sweltering 39C temperatures in the coming days, according to a new forecast, with 30 counties set for scorchers above 30C. Fronts moving in from the Atlantic mean that there will still be showers through midweek but a high pressure system to the south of the UK will keep temperatures elevated. And through the weekend and into next week it will get notably warmer, especially for the south of the country. The latest forecast from Netweather shows that heatwave temperatures of 39C could hit London by Sunday, June 28, with similar hot conditions across the south and south east. It will though be a north-south divide as, in Scotland, temperatures may not reach more than low double figures on June 28. For the north of England and Wales it will be cooler but still fine with temperatures reaching the mid-20Cs. The Met Office weather forecast for June 21 to 30 reads: "Probably a north-south split at the start of this period. In the north, changeable and often rather cloudy with showers or some longer spells of rain, perhaps heavy at times, and temperatures near normal. "In the south, mainly fine and dry with temperatures well above normal, albeit with a small risk of a few showers or thunderstorms at times. Into late June, high pressure may begin to build with conditions becoming more widely dry and settled. Temperatures are likely to be above normal for many areas." Temperatures are also set to hit the 30Cs next week. Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Tom Crabtree said: "This week's contrasting weather of both heat, rain, and potential thunderstorms is a result of a low pressure system influencing the UK from the northwest. The southerly flow stalls a front over the west of the UK whilst allowing temperatures to build in the southeast. "Friday is set to be the warmest day of the week, but it's important to note that peak temperatures could be impacted by cloud cover. Temperatures are likely to range from 26 to 28°C, with the potential to approach 30°C in parts of southeast England. "Elsewhere temperatures will remain closer to average but could be warm at times in parts of Wales and the west Midlands." The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has warned of "greater risk to life of vulnerable people" with yellow heat health alerts issued across four areas of the country. The warning is in place from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8pm on Monday, June 22, with other impacts including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, indoor environments becoming very warm, as an increased risk of water-related incidents. The alert will cover London, South East, East of England and the East Midlands, the UKHSA said. Areas set for 30C or higher on June 28 - Kent - Essex - Hertfordshire - Oxfordshire - Wiltshire - Somerset - Dorset - Devon - Cornwall - Surrey - Buckinghamshire - Gloucestershire - Suffolk - Bedfordshire - Cambridgeshire - Northamptonshire - Warwickshire - Worcestershire - Norfolk - Lincolnshire - Nottinghamshire - Derbyshire - Leicestershire - West Midlands - Shropshire - Yorkshire - Sussex - London - Berkshire - Hampshire