As London basks in a prolonged spell of sunshine and soaring temperatures, the question on many minds is: when will the capital next see rain and cooler temperatures?
This week looks set to be dominated by high pressure and hot, dry conditions. The Met Office forecasts a fine evening tonight (Tuesday 9 July), with clear skies and a humid feel overnight. That sets the stage for Thursday to deliver a full day of sunshine, with highs of 30°C and a sticky night to follow. This heatwave is likely to last longer than previous ones so far this summer, and affect a wider area, The Met Office said.
The highest temperature so far this month is 34.7C, which was measured at St James’s Park in London on July 1.
Met Office Chief Meteorologist Jason Kelly said: “High pressure from the Atlantic will lead to a build in temperatures over the coming days, with heatwave criteria reached by the weekend. Whilst temperatures are expected to build day on day, becoming widely hot, they are unlikely to surpass those recorded at the start of the month.”
He added: “Temperatures are expected to peak over the weekend and ease early next week. They are expected to exceed 30°C in some areas from tomorrow, with peak temperatures of 31°C on Thursday, with up to 32°C possible in parts of England and Wales on Friday.”
Londoners hoping for a break in the heat may have to wait until early next week. From Monday 15 July onwards, the UK long-range forecast suggests a shift in the weather pattern. A cold front is expected to arrive from the Atlantic, bringing potential for heavy or even thundery showers, particularly in northern and western areas. London, being further east, may stay largely dry, but some showers remain possible from midweek.
The first clear sign of rain in the capital appears in the forecast for Tuesday 15 July , when drizzle and a gentle breeze are expected. After that, light rain is also possible on Thursday 17 July and again on Monday 21 July , though much of the week continues to look warm and dry.
Here’s a breakdown of the daily forecast for London over the coming week:
-
Tuesday 9 July: A fine evening with late sunshine. Skies remain mostly clear overnight, feeling humid. Light winds.
-
Wednesday 10 July: Dry and sunny with highs of 30°C expected. Light cloud at times. Humid overnight.
-
Thursday 11 July: A hot and sunny day, some high cloud drifting in. Temperatures reaching 31°C in places.
-
Friday 12 to Sunday 14 July: Sunny, settled, and increasingly hot. Highs around 32°C on Friday. Nights will remain humid.
-
Monday 15 July: Cloudier with drizzle possible. A gentle breeze will bring slightly cooler conditions. High of 26°C.
-
Tuesday 16 July: Partly sunny with a chance of showers later. Temperatures around 25°C.
-
Wednesday 17 July: Periods of light rain expected. Staying warm with a high of 27°C.
-
Thursday 18 to Sunday 20 July: Mostly dry, with some sunshine and occasional cloud. Highs hovering around 27°C.
-
Monday 21 July: Showers possible again, mixed with sunny spells. High of 26°C.
Looking for more from MyLondon? Subscribe to our daily newsletters here for the latest and greatest updates from across London.
