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 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.
These are all in effect until 9pm on Friday 17 July.
Peak temperatures of 35.5C were recorded last Thursday in Wisley, Surrey, and this heat continued 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
Tuesday
A grey start across some central and eastern areas, but the cloud will quickly lift for most. However, it will linger near some North Sea coasts. Otherwise, another dry and sunny day, feeling very warm in the South West.
Dry with clear spells for most, however areas of low cloud near some North Sea coasts will expand and spread inland overnight. Feeling warm in the South.
Wednesday
Areas of low cloud will lift through the morning, otherwise fine and dry with long sunny periods. Chance of an odd thundery shower in the South West. Very warm or hot.
Thursday to Saturday
Staying dry, sunny and very warm for most. Winds easing and a small chance of a few thunderstorms, particularly on Thursday and Friday. Temperatures slowly declining from Saturday.
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