The UK is set for a temporary reprieve from the ongoing heatwave this weekend, with temperatures dropping by up to seven degrees in parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England. However, the cooler conditions will be short-lived, as the heatwave is expected to return next week.
Weekend temperature drop
According to the Met Office, maximum temperatures on Saturday could be seven degrees lower than on Thursday in the north. Despite the drop, conditions will remain warmer than average across much of the country, including the Midlands, Wales and southern England, where many of this year's temperature records have been set. Maximum temperatures in these regions are forecast to hover between 25°C and 27°C.
No significant rain is expected, despite parts of the country having endured up to a month with no rainfall. This is due to high pressure centred on the west of the UK, dragging hot and dry conditions into early next week.
Heatwave to persist
Meteorologist Jim NR Dale from the British Weather Services told Metro that the current heatwave may not ease up in earnest until July 26. “We live in extraordinarily self-inflicted and dangerous times, with much more to come,” Dale said, adding: “It’ll become progressively hotter again during next week, again more especially across southern counties of the UK.”
The nation has been suffering through record-breaking spells of extreme heat since May, with three separate heatwaves causing thousands of excess deaths and sparking wildfires across the country.
Historical context
The Met Office noted that the last time temperatures in London exceeded the heatwave threshold for so long was in 2003, when the mercury soared above average levels for 13 days straight. “The record we have for the longest heatwave across Greater London was back in 1976 with 16 days,” the national weather service said. “But it’s important to note that the heatwave criteria did not exist then and has been updated since it was introduced.”
