Heatwave on the way
Author: Press Office
13:38 (UTC+1) on Fri 8 Jul 2022
A period of warm, dry and settled weather is continuing for much of the UK this weekend and into next week.
High pressure continues to dominate the UK over the coming days, prolonging the warm spell for many. Heatwave criteria will be met in some areas in southern and central England and Wales. The far northwest will be cooler with some cloudy periods and some patchy rain at times.
High pressure means it's warming up this weekend 🌡️
— Met Office (@metoffice) July 7, 2022
Friday is looking hot for some, then whilst temperatures may be a touch down on Saturday, they're set to rise again for Sunday pic.twitter.com/4JrPCpUpqR
The highest temperatures could reach 33°C on Tuesday, although temperatures will also be widely above average this weekend and through next week.
A Level Three Heat Health Alert has been issued for next week, highlighting the potential health impacts of this type of weather.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, David Oliver, said: “The warm weather over much of England and Wales could last for much of next week. In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius over the weekend, and then in the low 30s Celsius during the start of next week. Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year as well as dry and sunny for many areas.”
A Level Three Heat Health Alert has been issued for next week, highlighting the potential health impacts of these high temperatures.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but also to check in on their vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are prepared for the warm conditions ahead.
“High temperatures are predicted for a prolonged period, so make sure to follow our simple health advice to beat the heat, such as covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and making sure that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.”
Find out more about keeping cool in hot weather with WeatherReady from the Met Office.
Sam Hughes, National Water Safety Partner at the RNLI said: “It is great to hear that the sun is on its way but we want to remind everyone to stay safe at the coast. If you are planning on going to the beach we would encourage you to visit a lifeguarded beach and swim between the red and yellow flags.
“If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety. In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard.”
Further ahead
The warm spell will continue for southern and central areas into next week, with only a slight dip in peak temperatures on Wednesday and Thursday before a possible move back to very high temperatures at the end of next week and over the following weekend.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Oliver added: “Weather forecast models are run hundreds of times to determine the most likely weather outcome. There are some runs, or solutions, that allow more extreme temperatures to develop into next weekend. This is something we are monitoring closely and which will add more detail on over the coming days.”
You can find the latest forecast on our website, by following us on Twitter and Facebook, as well as on our mobile app which is available for iPhone from the App store and for Android from the Google Play store. Keep track of current weather warnings on the weather warning page.