The UK has so far seen three heatwaves this summer, and the Met Office says more “hot spells” could be on the way
Very busy Viking Bay on a sunny and very hot day in Broadstairs. (Image: GETTY)
Britain has already endured three scorching heatwaves this summer – and the Met Office warns more “hot spells” could be heading our way. The most recent heatwave sent the mercury soaring above 30C across parts of Britain, with Scotland, Northern Ireland and Wales all recording their hottest day of the year on July 12.
Torrential downpours and thunderstorms then brought the hot weather to an abrupt halt, with the Met Office issuing multiple weather warnings nationwide, perfectly timed for the beginning of school summer holidays. Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern explained in a YouTube video on July 22: “It looks like warmer air is coming into western parts of the UK [on July 24]. The cold pool is moving into central Europe, and warmer air is starting to appear to the south west. Across the UK we’ve got higher temperatures moving in from the south west and a ridge of high pressure building in at this point [on July 27].
Many resevoirs in the UK are extremely low due to the dry conditions. Pictured: Errwood Reservoir. (Image: Getty)
“That is going to lead to a significant change once again across the UK as we go into the weekend.
“By Friday, many places will be drier. The best of the sunshine on Friday is towards the east and southeast, with 27C possible. Still some clouds coming into the west and northwest.”
The Met Office has subsequently changed its long-range forecast to indicate there’s a strong possibility of some “very warm or hot spells” emerging later in August, with the month expected to witness the return of above-average temperatures.
A Met Office spokesperson issued the following forecast covering August 7 to August 21: “A changeable westerly pattern most likely gives way to high pressure from the southwest.
“Whilst spells of rain or showers mixed in with some drier, brighter days will probably continue at first, dry and settled weather becomes more likely as we head further into August.
“Temperatures will likely be near or above average overall. There is a chance of some very warm or hot spells developing later in August if high pressure wins out for a decent stretch of time, especially in the south and east.”
Nevertheless, the Met Office cannot forecast heatwaves too far ahead, and any precise predictions for mid-August would require closer monitoring nearer the date.
The forecaster’s latest three-month outlook suggested that meteorological summer – spanning from June 1 to August 31 – is twice as likely to be warmer than usual in 2025.
What is the Met Office’s new forecast?
A Met Office spokesperson stated: “July 28 to August 6: A weather regime dominated by westerly winds is likely at first. This will likely bring rain and showers at times interspersed with periods of more settled weather.
“The north and west will most likely be the focus of any wetter and windier weather, where there may be some prolonged spells of rain at times.
“The highest chance of drier and sunnier weather is expected to the east of hills, and across south and eastern areas. Later in the period if high pressure builds into the southwest settled weather may develop there too.
“It will be breezy at times, especially in further north. Temperatures are most likely to be near to average or slightly above average for the time of year.”
