London Braced for Sixth Heatwave Before Warm Bank Holiday Weekend
London Heatwave Looms Before Warm Bank Holiday

London is set to experience a sixth heatwave next week with temperatures potentially soaring to 36C, according to weather expert Jim Dale of British Weather Services. However, the capital can look forward to a warm but comfortable August Bank Holiday weekend, just in time for the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival.

Next Week's Heat Spike

Temperatures are forecast to climb steadily from Monday, starting at 30C and rising to 31C by Wednesday, with uninterrupted sunshine. These conditions are expected to meet official heatwave criteria, marking the sixth such event this summer in the capital. The intense heat is driven by high pressure dominating the region, pushing thermometers into the mid-30s.

Jim Dale explained: "It looks like the Bank Holiday weekend will be in the mid-20s, which is pretty much perfect. It's warm enough to enjoy being outside without the extreme heat we've seen at times this summer."

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Bank Holiday Outlook: Warm and Dry

The August Bank Holiday runs from Saturday, August 29, to Monday, August 31, coinciding with the 60th anniversary of Notting Hill Carnival. Millions of attendees are hoping for dry weather, and current forecasts suggest temperatures will settle in the mid-20s Celsius, creating ideal conditions for outdoor celebrations.

This warm spell is supported by long-range forecasts from both the Met Office and the BBC. The Met Office's outlook for August 20 to September 3 indicates high pressure will remain near the UK, bringing below-average rainfall and above-average temperatures, with "some spells of hot weather and heatwaves possible, especially in the south."

Potential Shift Late August

Towards the end of August, there is a chance that high pressure weakens, allowing low pressure systems to move closer. This could bring more widespread rain and thunderstorms, though temperatures are still expected to remain above average across much of the country.

The BBC's long-range forecast for August 17 to 30 also points to warmer-than-normal conditions, with the south having "a chance of rather hot days" despite the possibility of scattered showers or thunderstorms.

London's Daily Forecast

Here is the detailed forecast for London over the coming days:

  • Thursday, August 6: High 22C, Low 14C, sunny intervals
  • Friday, August 7: High 25C, Low 14C, sunny intervals
  • Saturday, August 8: High 28C, Low 16C, sunny
  • Sunday, August 9: High 31C, Low 19C, sunny
  • Monday, August 10: High 30C, Low 18C, sunny
  • Tuesday, August 11: High 29C, Low 19C, sunny
  • Wednesday, August 12: High 31C, Low 20C, sunny

As London prepares for another heatwave, residents and visitors are advised to stay hydrated and seek shade during peak hours. The Bank Holiday weekend promises a welcome reprieve, with warm but manageable conditions for the historic Notting Hill Carnival celebrations.

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