Next UK heatwave could last 10 days with temperatures to rise this weekend

Next UK heatwave could last 10 days with temperatures to rise this weekend High pressure from the Azores will build across the UK as temperatures are set to rocket again - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments The next summer heatwave could sink its teeth into London for 10 consecutive days, starting this weekend. While the week opened with much-needed breeze and cooler temperatures, the balmy weather is not expected to last for long, as temperatures will heat up again from Saturday, quickly rising to 28C or 29C. Tony Wisson, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, said: “Toward the weekend, high pressure will continue to build in across most of the UK as it extends from the Azores. This will lead to more settled, warm or very warm conditions for many, especially across England and Wales, though some rain may still affect the far North.” He added: “The forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach high twenties across parts of England, perhaps 30C in parts of the southeast, with values of mid- to high-twenties in Wales.” Saturday’s forecast shows temperatures hanging around 28C in the capital by 4pm, but this looks to increase daily as temperatures hit 31C by 4pm on Monday. BBC Weather suggests highs between 28 and 32C that will last for 10 days from Saturday onwards. A heatwave occurs when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting the heatwave temperature threshold. The temperature threshold is 27C for much of south-east England, and 28C in London and its surrounding areas. The UK has already endured two heatwaves this year and smashed the record for the hottest spring ever in England and Wales, and the hottest June on record as temperatures peaked at 37.3C in Santon Downham, Suffolk, on Friday. Mr Wisson said: “Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low.” According to forecasting platform WXCharts, a third heatwave could return on 7 July, when temperatures are set to hit 32C in south-east England, though longer-term forecasts can be less reliable. Highs of 36C could then come to the capital on 8 July, and 35C the following day. WXCharts estimates that temperatures will reach the high twenties in the days that follow. In its three-month summer outlook, the Met Office said temperatures during the period of 11 to 25 July are “likely to be above normal on the whole, with a greater than normal chance of hot conditions developing at times”. Met Office forecast Tuesday Rain affects northern and western areas on Tuesday, becoming increasingly showery. Some outbreaks will be heavy and possibly thundery in the North. Patchy rain may briefly affect south-east England. Elsewhere, mostly cloudy with some brighter spells. Temperatures close to normal. Tuesday night Showers will continue into the evening, some locally heavy, but it will become increasingly dry towards midnight, with clear spells developing. Cloud will increase across Northern Ireland towards dawn. Wednesday Cloud and rain across Northern Ireland will spread eastwards into Scotland during the day, with some heavier bursts possible. Elsewhere, it will be largely dry, with variable amounts of cloud. Outlook for Thursday to Saturday Areas of cloud and rain will continue to affect the north of the country from Thursday. Elsewhere, conditions will become increasingly fine and dry, with temperatures gradually rising. Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments