London is braced for the fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures expected to peak in the at 33C in the capital in the coming days, the Met Office said.
The weather forecaster predicted that much of England and Wales will be warmer than 30C on Monday because of a combination of high pressure and a southerly airflow.
Temperatures are likely to rise the most in central and southern England, peaking at around 33C in London on Tuesday. Yet forecasters added that there is also a risk of isolated thunderstorms and infrequent outbreaks of rain alongside the high heat.
Greg Dewhurst, a senior meteorologist at the Met Office, said the temperatures over coming days mean that some parts of the country will meet heatwave criteria – three consecutive days exceeding a certain threshold – as early as Tuesday.
He said: “Temperatures are going to rise over the coming days, particularly across England and Wales, but it is not going to be felt quite as much across parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland – it’s not going to be widespread heat everywhere.
“And the reason for that is we’ve got high pressure to the south east of the UK at the moment and low pressure to the north west and west.
“But through Monday, we start importing some of that hot and humid air, and we’re looking at highs of around 31C across central and southern England, with the rest of England and Wales getting towards the high 20s, and Northern Ireland and parts of Scotland in the low 20s.
“The heat may spark one or two heavy showers and thunderstorms across south-west England and Wales, but they’ll be very isolated.
“And then Tuesday looks largely dry, with plenty of sunny spells – it could well be the peak of the heat.
“Temperatures are set to rise to about 33C across central and southern England, but again, this could spark off a thunderstorm by the afternoon and evening time.
“And some places will hit heatwave thresholds on Tuesday, while some places will hit it on Wednesday – it depends on the area.”
The high temperatures on consecutive days would mean the UK hitting its fourth heatwave of the summer. Forecasters at the Met Office said that, in addition to high daytime heat, warm nights are also likely in south-eastern parts of the UK.
They add that there is a chance of a tropical night in a few places, where temperatures do not drop below 20C overnight.
Forecast for London
Today (Monday 11 August)
Any isolated mist patches early on will soon clear, giving way to a hot, sunny afternoon with light winds. Temperatures will climb to around 31°C , with coastal areas cooler due to onshore breezes. By early evening, cloud will build from the west, and there is a chance of isolated showers, possibly heavy and thundery in places. Tonight will see these showers moving east before fading towards dawn, leaving clear spells. It will be mild, with lows of around 19–20°C , and breezy along the coast.
Tuesday 12 August
Lingering morning cloud will soon clear, leading to a hot day with long sunny spells. Any early showers will quickly dissipate. Highs will reach around 32–33°C , and it will feel humid, with a warm night to follow.
Wednesday 13 August
A very warm day with plenty of sunshine, reaching around 29°C . There is a small chance of an afternoon shower. Overnight, heavy and thundery showers could develop, and it will remain muggy.
Thursday 14 August
Any early showers will soon clear to leave sunny spells. It will stay warm, with highs of around 29°C . Nights will be mild and humid.
Friday 15 August
Another warm day with sunshine and a small risk of a shower. Temperatures will reach about 30°C , with light winds and mild nights.
