Met Office warns Brits as UK braced for 'longest heatwave this year'

The country is due yet another heatwave this summer as the good weather looks set to continue.

Brits have already enjoyed a couple of scorching periods so far this year, with the hottest day of the year so far at 34.7C recorded in St James' Park in London on July 1. Conditions have dropped a little since then as the weekend saw rain kick in for much of the UK.

While Monday has also started off drizzly. However, things are expected to pick up dramatically as the week goes on. By Thursday, London is predicted to reach 29C from around 4pm with Cardiffat 27C, and Manchester at 25C - just in time for Oasis'homecoming gigs.

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Met Office's Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley said: “High pressure from the Atlantic will gradually exert its influence over the UK this week. We’ll see temperatures build day-on-day, with the potential for hot conditions to become quite widespread by the end of the week and into the weekend."

He also noted that this next heatwave is due to carry on for longer than the previous ones in 2025. "This heatwave is likely to last longer than previous ones so far this summer, and affect a wider area, with the focus for some of the highest temperatures displaced across more central and western areas at times. In addition, pollen and UV levels will also be very high in some areas,” explained.

On Wednesday, the expert added that temperatures "could reach up to 28°C in parts of England, climbing to 30°C on Thursday and 32°C by Friday. By this stage, heatwave criteria are likely to be met in parts of England and Wales, and in parts of Scotland over the weekend."

While the high temperatures are likely to carry on into the weekend, in particular in areas away from coasts with onshore winds. "Reaching the low 30s in portions of England and Wales, and accompanied by rising humidity and warmer nights," Dan said.

While Marco Petagna, senior meteorologist at the Met Office, said that the weather will start to turn hot on Wednesday, with dry conditions returning after several areas were plunged under thunderstorm warnings last night. He explained: “I think Wednesday is probably going to be the day when we could start to reach the thresholds of 25 to 28 degrees, depending on where you are."

"We probably won’t actually reach an official heatwave until around Friday, to give the three consecutive days at those temperatures. But temperatures are going to continue to climb as we go toward the end of the week and certainly by Friday and Saturday we could see 30 degrees, perhaps just nudging into the low 30s."

Long-range forecast

The Met Office's long-range forecast for July 11 to July 20 states: "Many parts of the UK are expected to be part way through a period of high temperatures and humidity at the start of this period. The duration, geographical extent and intensity of the heat are all rather uncertain at present, but there is the potential for some very hot weather to be realised, especially across some inland southern and eastern areas.

"With this also comes the possibility of thunderstorms, in part because of the high temperatures, but also in association with any frontal systems moving in from the west, which would ultimately usher in cooler and fresher conditions. Towards the latter part of the period, northwestern areas stand a greater chance of experiencing rather more changeable conditions, with drier and occasionally hotter spells more likely further southeast."

Elsewhere, UK households are being advised against using washing lines to dry clothes from Tuesday due to the warm weather. Despite the summer months offering perfect conditions for outdoor drying, it can actually be detrimental for those unfortunate enough to suffer from hay fever.

A MattressOnline specialists warned: "Avoid drying your clothes and bedsheets outside in the fresh air after doing your laundry, where pollen and dust can collect. Instead, dry them in a tumble dryer or hang them up inside."