The Met Office has indicated that London could experience warm spells and heatwaves continuing into the middle of September. The forecaster's long-range outlook suggests temperatures are expected to be above average for the month, with a higher probability of hot spells in the southern parts of the country, including the capital.
Met Office outlook: above-average temperatures and late-season heatwaves
In its long-range forecast, the Met Office stated: “Temperatures are likely to be a little above average overall. There is a chance that late-season hot spells or heatwaves develop, especially in the south.” This comes after a summer marked by six successive heatwaves, with the most recent breaking records.
Last week, Kew Gardens in West London reached a sweltering 38.1°C, the highest temperature recorded anywhere in the country. The extreme heat has been relentless, but light rain is expected to bring some relief to the capital this week.
Recent record-breaking heat and current weather patterns
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern noted that today (August 19) would be a “very showery day” across the rest of the UK, with a chance of thunderstorms in Scotland and northern England. Light showers hit parts of London early in the morning, but the sun has since returned.
Mr McGivern added that showers would be “fewer and further between” in southern areas, while central England could still see some downpours. He said: “I suspect many people across England and Wales will at least enjoy the feel of some rain falling out of the sky during the next few days, but it’s not going to solve the drought situation overnight because we’re not expecting huge amounts and it will be highly variable because a lot of it will come in the form of showers.”
London weather forecast for the coming days
The Met Office has provided a detailed forecast for London over the next week. On Wednesday, August 19, the city is expected to see sunny intervals with a high of 24°C and a low of 16°C. Thursday, August 20, will bring sunny intervals with a high of 22°C and a low of 13°C. Friday, August 21, will see sunny intervals with a high of 21°C and a low of 12°C.
Saturday, August 22, is forecast to have sunny intervals with a high of 20°C and a low of 11°C. Sunday, August 23, will bring sunny intervals with a high of 21°C and a low of 13°C. Monday, August 24, is expected to have sunny intervals with a high of 23°C and a low of 13°C, while Tuesday, August 25, will see sunny intervals with a high of 23°C and a low of 15°C.
