Londoners can expect the warmest weekend of the year as temperatures soar to 32C. Forecasters say the mercury could reach close to highest ever recorded in June – 35.6C in 1976.
The UK Health and Security Agency has issued a yellow heat alert for London and most other parts of England from Wednesday (June 18) until 6pm on Sunday (June 22). Officially, London needs to reach the temperatures of 28C for three consecutive days in order to be classed a heatwave.
The BBC reports temperatures this Saturday and Sunday will be 30C and 32C respectively, before dropping to 29C and 28C the following Monday and Tuesday. Netweather suspects temperatures could get even higher in London with current peak of 34C predicted.
The BBC forecast states Westminster, Camden, Hackney, Kew, Walthamstow and Bexley are among London areas where the mercury will climb to 32C on Sunday. In other places – such as Croydon, Enfield, Clapham and Romford, experts say temperatures will peak at 31C.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: “Heat is the main story this week, with high pressure building and temperatures rising to heatwave levels in some areas by the weekend.
“Today and tomorrow, we could see maximum temperatures of 27C in the south of England, and 29C on Thursday. The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday, with a maximum of 30C in central England. With the hot temperatures, we could also see some thundery showers across the far west Friday night into Saturday.
“Widespread very warm conditions are expected on Saturday, with a top temperature of 32C. Sunday looks to see the peak of the very warm spell, with a headline max of 33C possible. This is most likely to be in the east of England, with other areas seeing temperatures into the high 20s to low 30 Celsius. Warm, and perhaps even ‘tropical nights’ will also be a feature this week.
“At present, the highest temperature ever recorded in June was 35.6C in Southampton in 1976. The warmest day of the year so far was 29.4C on June 13, recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk. High pressure is expected to move away from the UK into early next week resulting in temperatures falling. However, there is uncertainty in how quickly this happens, and the peak temperatures experienced across the UK.”
Much of the heat is expected in London, the South East and eastern England – which are most sheltered from Atlantic winds. This is in line with previous heatwaves where Conigsby in Lincolnshire recorded highs of 40.7C on July 19, 2022 – the highest temperature ever recorded in the UK.
Forecast for London
Tonight (Tuesday Night): Dry with clear skies across the region. Some light cloud, mist or patchy fog may form by dawn, especially in western areas. It will be a mild night, particularly in the east.
Wednesday: A bright and sunny day after any early mist or fog clears. It will stay dry with long spells of sunshine and just occasional patches of cloud. Feeling very warm, especially inland, though slightly cooler near coasts. Maximum temperature in London: up to 28°C.
Thursday: Another dry and settled day with prolonged sunshine under the influence of high pressure. Warm or very warm temperatures are expected, with light winds. Temperatures around 27C.
Friday: Staying fine with plenty of sunshine. Winds may pick up slightly, but temperatures will continue to climb, making it feel hot in places. Temperatures around 27C.
Saturday: A hot day for many, particularly in the southeast. Sunshine will dominate again, though there is a small chance of isolated showers developing later in the day. It may feel breezier in exposed areas. Temperature: locally up to 33C, hottest day of the week.
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