Temperatures have risen again as a third heatwave is in full swing in the UK, and a long hot summer is on the cards.
Several amber and yellow heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) remain in place, with warnings lifted only for the North East and Yorkshire.
The amber heat health alerts are in effect for the West Midlands and South West, both lasting until Wednesday 15 July. The remaining regions have yellow warnings in place, which will also last until Wednesday.
Peak temperatures of 35.5C were recorded last Thursday in Wisley, Surrey, and this heat carried on for the remainder of the week across the South and South West.
Forecasters have said temperatures are likely to trend down very slightly this week, although many areas will stay dry, fine and very warm.
Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster, said last week: “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 last month as 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 five-day forecast
Monday
Low cloud will gradually clear eastern areas through the morning. Otherwise, a widely sunny and very warm day with strong sunshine and a keen easterly breeze. Rather windy along the south coast.
A fine end to the day with some late sunshine. A few showers may push into southern coastal counties. Low cloud will build again across the East, but clear elsewhere.
Tuesday
Mostly dry and sunny. Staying cloudy around some north-east coasts. A chance of showers or thunderstorms in the South West at first. Very warm with a brisk breeze in the South.
Wednesday to Friday
Staying dry, sunny and very warm for most. Winds easing and an increasing chance of showers and thunderstorms in the South West, particularly on Thursday and Friday.
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