Met Office confirms exact date 31C heatwave starts before lasting 5 days
The Met Office has confirmed the exact date the 31C heat will return to the UK. Temperatures in London are expected to reach 28C on Saturday July 4 and 29C on Sunday July 5, before peaking at 31C on Monday July 6. The temperature will remain around 30C on Tuesday July 7 and into Wednesday July 8. The UK Health Security Agency has issued a five-day yellow heat-health alert from 12pm on Saturday July 4 until 5pm on Wednesday July 8, covering the East Midlands, south-east and south-west England, and London.
The return of hot weather follows a record-breaking June that saw amber and red weather warnings issued for extreme heat. Met Office Scientist Dr Emily Carlisle said: "This June is a clear example of how UK weather can deliver both unsettled conditions and record-breaking heat within the same month." England recorded its warmest June on record for mean temperature, while the UK and Wales recorded their second warmest June on record.
Before the heat arrives, conditions will remain unsettled. Thursday will start windy with lingering showers, turning dry later with winds easing and sunny spells developing. Friday will be dry and sunny, though hazy at times, while Saturday will remain dry and very warm.
Lead Weather Presenter Simon King said: "some forecasts suggest temperatures could climb back into the low to mid-30Cs in England and Wales next week However there is still uncertainty about how hot conditions might get." From July 6 onwards, high pressure will dominate across England and Wales, bringing dry and warm conditions with plenty of sunshine. Most of England and Wales will be dry for the rest of the week, though Scotland and Northern Ireland will probably see more cloud at first with periods of rain.
Health authorities have warned of potential thunderstorm asthma risks. Amena Warner, head of clinical services at Allergy UK, said: "Most people with hay fever will experience their normal range of symptoms sneezing runny nose and itchy eyes but these will be more extreme However more worryingly hay fever can cause asthma symptoms to worsen and thunderstorm conditions can cause even mild symptoms to become severe such as difficulty breathing and chest tightening."