Rising Temperatures Forecast Across the UK
Temperatures are expected to reach as high as 30C in parts of the UK this weekend as a developing heatwave spreads across Europe.
Heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for much of the Midlands and south-east England came into effect at 15:00 BST on Wednesday and will remain active until 20:00 on Monday.
The temperature increase over the coming days is attributed to a "heat dome" forming across Europe.
By Tuesday, the south-east of England may meet the criteria for heatwave status, with maximum temperatures predicted to exceed 27C for three consecutive days.
Temperatures will rise over the next few days, particularly in eastern and south-east England and the Midlands.
On Thursday, temperatures are forecast to reach approximately 25-28C across the Midlands, East Anglia, and south-east England, where some sunshine is also expected.
Elsewhere, conditions will remain relatively cloudy with some rain, easing to showers, with temperatures ranging from 17 to 24C, close to the mid-June average.
Northern Ireland, Scotland, northern and western areas of England and Wales will experience another spell of wet weather on Friday.
Over the weekend, conditions will become drier and sunnier across all regions with light winds. Temperatures in these areas will increase slightly but remain moderate, between 19 and 26C.
The heat in southern and eastern England is expected to intensify on Friday, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 31C.
While temperatures may be slightly lower on Saturday, by Sunday and Monday they could rise again to the high twenties, reaching up to 31 or even 32C.
By Monday, significant thunderstorms may develop across England and Wales.
With heat persisting into Tuesday in south-eastern areas, some locations may officially enter heatwave conditions, experiencing temperatures above 27C or 28C for three consecutive days.
The heatwave threshold varies by county, ranging from 25C in Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and parts of south-west England, to 28C in London.
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An intense heatwave is developing over Europe, with parts of France expected to reach 40C on Sunday.
British weather is currently influenced by a large and potentially record-breaking heatwave developing over western Europe, caused by a static area of high pressure.
This high-pressure system acts like a lid, trapping warm air underneath it. This causes already warm or hot air to become increasingly hotter, creating what is known as a heat dome.
Temperatures across Spain, France, Germany, and eastern Europe are expected to rise into the mid to high 30s in the coming days.
By Sunday, temperatures could exceed 40C in parts of France, including Paris. The June temperature record of 37.6C, set in 1947, is likely to be surpassed.
Many other locations across France may also set new records during this national heatwave.
The area of high pressure will shift subtly over the next few days, allowing some of this hot air to move into the south-east of the UK.
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