London is set to experience its sixth heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach up to 30C between Tuesday, August 11, and Saturday, August 15, according to BBC forecasters. The Met Office defines a heatwave in the capital as three consecutive days of 28C or higher, a threshold that will likely be met during this period.
Before the heatwave arrives, temperatures will hover between 23C and 27C, offering some respite. However, the longer-range forecast from the Met Office suggests that while it will be hot, the heat may not be as extreme as recent episodes, with potential thundery interludes affecting southern and eastern areas.
What to expect from the upcoming heat
WXCharts predicts a particularly uncomfortable night on Thursday, August 13, with temperatures potentially reaching 31C at midnight, making sleep difficult. The Met Office's long-range forecast notes: "This means there is a greater chance of frontal systems or thundery interludes to affect southern and eastern areas, certainly in comparison to recent weeks, though rainfall amounts could be quite variable with some areas seeing relatively little. For the most part, temperatures look to remain above average, especially in the south, though perhaps without the exceptional heat we have seen in recent weeks."
The hot weather has already taken a toll on water resources. Thames Water reports that water storage has dropped by 15 per cent in just one month. Martin Padley, Water Director at Thames Water, said: "It's been bone dry, we've not been able to abstract an awful lot of water. But there is still water for everybody to drink, nobody needs to worry but it is quite an important situation we're in at the moment."
Day-by-day London forecast
Here is the detailed forecast for London over the next two weeks, based on Met Office data:
- Tuesday, August 4: High 28C, low 17C, sunny intervals and a moderate breeze
- Wednesday, August 5: High 25C, low 13C, sunny intervals and a moderate breeze
- Thursday, August 6: High 23C, low 13C, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze
- Friday, August 7: High 25C, low 14C, sunny intervals and light winds
- Saturday, August 8: High 26C, low 15C, sunny intervals and light winds
- Sunday, August 9: High 27C, low 15C, sunny intervals and light winds
- Monday, August 10: High 27C, low 15C, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze
- Tuesday, August 11: High 28C, low 16C, sunny and light winds
- Wednesday, August 12: High 30C, low 18C, sunny and light winds
- Thursday, August 13: High 30C, low 18C, sunny and light winds
- Friday, August 14: High 29C, low 17C, sunny intervals and light winds
- Saturday, August 15: High 28C, low 17C, thick cloud and a gentle breeze
- Sunday, August 16: High 27C, low 17C, light cloud and a gentle breeze
- Monday, August 17: High 26C, low 17C, light cloud and a gentle breeze
Impact on water supply and daily life
The prolonged dry spell has led to reduced water abstraction, but Thames Water assures residents that there is enough water for everyone. However, they emphasize the importance of conserving water during this drought. "Every drop counts," Padley added.
As Londoners brace for another heatwave, it is advisable to stay hydrated, avoid strenuous activity during peak heat, and check on vulnerable neighbors. The forecast indicates that the heat may ease slightly after August 15, with cloudier conditions and cooler temperatures expected.
