UK weather maps show blistering new 38C heatwave in days - and Midlands could be hottest

The UK is cooling down following a record-breaking heatwave, but forecasters warn of a new heat event looming. Weather maps show temperatures could reach unprecedented levels, with the Midlands poised for the most intense conditions.

Yesterday marked the hottest day of the year and the most scorching June day ever recorded, at 37.7C. The Met Office predicts mercury will fall below 30C in the south by Monday, with the West Midlands expecting 23C on Sunday—more than 10C lower than recent days.

Relief will be short-lived. According to the GFS weather model, a new heatwave begins around July 8, with southern and western areas potentially reaching 33C. By July 9, forecasts show 36C near London and 35C across southern and eastern England.

Highs of 38C are expected July 10, with western England and the south bearing the most intense conditions. The GFS model indicates 17 English counties could experience 38C or higher.

Most alarmingly, temperatures could climb further to 40-41C from Yorkshire to London. The current UK record of 40.3C, set during July 2022, could soon be broken. Data suggests we're mere days from 41C.

Met Office forecaster Tony Wisson said: "The forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach high 20s across parts of England, perhaps 30C in parts of the southeast, with values of mid to high 20s in Wales. Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low."