A long-awaited shift in the UK’s weather is on its way, with a chance of a heatwave hitting as soon as next week. In comparison to last year – the hottest June the UK has ever seen – this year’s summer has got off to a disappointing start, with cold northerly winds coming in from the Arctic keeping temperatures down. But now things are changing, Sky News weather producer Kirsty McCabe says. Over the weekend and into next week, warmer and more settled weather has a high chance of developing, she says, with “southerly winds, bringing hot, continental air and a rise in temperatures”. “There is also around a 20% chance we could see heatwave conditions developing by the middle of next week,” McCabe adds.
Before that, the Met Office has issued a warning of thunderstorms for much of northern England on Tuesday, despite sunnier weather elsewhere. A yellow weather warning is in place from 11am to 9pm, covering much of Yorkshire, the East Midlands and parts of northwest and northeast England, with the forecaster warning that lightning could damage a few buildings and structures, with short-term power loss and flooding possible. Temperatures for the rest of this week will potentially creep up above average, although nights may still remain chilly. A heatwave is defined as a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures in the UK.
Heatwave Definition
In the UK, a heatwave is defined as a prolonged period of abnormally high temperatures, relative to the expected conditions at that given time and place. The Met Office has a defined temperature threshold for each county in the UK and if the daily maximum meets or exceeds this value for at least three consecutive days it is classed as a heatwave. These threshold values range from 28C in London and some Home Counties to 25C in northern England, Devon and Cornwall, Scotland, Northern Ireland and most of Wales.
A heatwave and warmer weather are not the only possibilities, McCabe warns, adding: “Keep an eye on the forecast!” In contrast, Dan Harris, deputy chief meteorologist for the Met Office, predicts an initial warm spell won’t last too long, with the weather turning “more changeable” this Friday and into the coming weekend. “Temperatures this week are likely to peak at around 24 or 25C on Thursday and Friday in the south, though more subdued in the northwest, with the influence of cloud and showers at times more likely,” he said.
The weather in the UK is expected to undergo a significant shift in the coming days, with the possibility of a heatwave hitting as soon as next week. While the summer began with cooler temperatures and cold northerly winds, warmer and more settled weather is now forecasted. However, it is important to stay updated on the latest weather forecasts and warnings, as thunderstorms and other unpredictable weather events may affect certain regions. The definition of a heatwave in the UK is based on specific temperature thresholds for each county, with several regions already experiencing temperatures close to these thresholds. As the weather continues to change, it is crucial to remain vigilant and prepared for any potential weather fluctuations.
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