UK temperature maps turn red: exact areas facing 35ºC peaks as third UK heatwave this year intensifies

The third heatwave of the year is expected to develop very soon over parts of the UK as an area of high pressure remains close to southern areas. This hot spell will bring extensive sunshine and light winds to many areas across England and Wales, allowing temperatures to build steadily through the week. Where will it be hottest? The start of the week has seen a north-south split continue, with rain and showers in the North, affecting Scotland and Northern Ireland, as hot and sunny weather dominates in the South. Through the rest of the afternoon, expect light rain and pathcy to persist across northern and northwestern Scotland. It will be dry elsewhere, with plenty of sunny spells and breezy conditions. Rainfall accumulation heaviest in Western Scotland tonight Later in the evening, occasional rain will continue, being heaviest in North West of Scotland. Low cloud and hill fog redevelop across southwest Britain and western areas, whilst fine, dry and clear skies settle in the rest of England. Temperatures already warm if not hot over Southern England and parts of Wales However, the main story weather and pressure charts are telling this week are related to a heatwave that’s imminent in parts of South East England. The official ‘heatwave’ conditions are expected to be met by the end of today and as temperatures continue to rise through the week, further regions are likely to meet their local heatwave thresholds. Just a few weeks ago, this same area saw record-breaking extreme heat, with temperatures nearing 40°C. The good news is that this heatwave is expected to be less humid than last month’s, with lower peak temperatures and more bearable nights. Many places will experience consecutive days of hot weather, and precautions are advised. People are advised to take sensible precautions in the heat, including staying hydrated, avoiding prolonged exposure to the sun during the hottest part of the day, and checking on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours. How hot will it be? Forecast models show temperatures will climb into the low 30s across much of southern England from the start of the week, with some locations potentially reaching 34-35°C later in the week. Related article A warm start to what is expected to be another hot week for the UK. How warm will it be today? Forecast temperatures for southern parts of the UK include highs of around 32°C tomorrow Tuesday, rising to 33°C on Wednesday, 34°C on Thursday, and with isolated locations potentially reaching 35°C on Friday and Saturday. There will be marked north-south split lasting until mid-week There will be marked north-south split in temperature and weather conditions that will persist through the first half of the week. Southern areas will continue to see largely settled and increasingly hot conditions, whilst northern areas will experience more cloudy skies, strong winds and outbreaks of rain that could last until Tuesday. Temperatures are expected to be closer to the seasonal average in the first half of the week over the north as a more unsettled regime persists. However, by the weekend, the warm air could extend into parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, with peak temperatures in the upper 20s Celsius. Note that there will also be high UV, so extra care is advised if you’re heading out in the sun. How long will the heatwave last? There will be day-on-day heating this week, with the very warm to hot conditions lasting into the weekend. Humidity is also expected to rise, increasing the risk of showers and isolated thunderstorms. Early forecasts for next week show temperatures are likely to start easing slightly, although many areas could stay dry, fine and still warm.