Temperatures have risen again as another heatwave is in full swing in the UK, and a long hot summer is on the cards.
While the mercury is not expected to reach the exceptional levels recorded in June, parts of the country could still see a sweltering 34 to 35C on Friday, followed by a hot weekend.
Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the Midlands, eastern and southern England until 9pm on 12 July. Yellow heat health alerts are in force across northern England for the same period.
Peak temperatures of 35.5C were recorded on Thursday in Wisley, Surrey, and this heat is set to carry on for the remainder of the week across the South and South West.
The mercury will also remain above 30C further north in places like Manchester and Leeds.
According to the Met Office, the very warm conditions are likely to last into the weekend, but with increasing humidity and a growing risk of showers or isolated thunderstorms. Saturday and Sunday are forecast to have highs of 33C in the South West, with Taunton and Yeovil likely to feel the peak of the heat.
Into early next week, temperatures are likely to trend down very slightly, although many areas will stay dry, fine and very warm.
Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster, said: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across south-east England through the weekend and into next week, it won't be a straightforward end to the warm weather.
“High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the South, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the South West.
“As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm – especially in the South West – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places.
“The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week. There is however a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the South and South West.”
It comes as the Met Office marked the hottest June on record for England, and the second warmest in Wales.
Temperatures broke the previous record of 35.6C set in Southampton in June 1976 on three consecutive days last week, with a new record temperature provisionally set in Lingwood, Norfolk, on Friday, as the mercury climbed to 37.7C.
Met Office forecast
Tonight:
Any isolated thunderstorms easing, with most having a fine evening. Remaining largely cloudy across Scotland overnight, with a few spots of rain. Generally dry and clear elsewhere. Staying warm.
Saturday:
Rather cloudy across Scotland, with showery rain. Generally sunny elsewhere, but the risk of low cloud along eastern coasts of England. Breezy. Hot in the West, cooler in the East.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday:
Low cloud retreating back to eastern coasts each morning, otherwise sunny. An increasing risk of showers in the south next week. Temperatures easing down, but still hot towards the South West.
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