Weather forecasting models suggest the UK could see a new all-time record temperature this week, with the mercury potentially rising as high as 42C. The current record of 40.3C, set during the July 2022 heatwave, may be surpassed as a heatwave grips the country.
Record-breaking temperatures forecast
Data from the UKV weather model indicates that 40C highs are possible in the south-west of England on Wednesday, with temperatures in the high 30s across southern, central, and eastern England. Thursday is expected to be even hotter, with the model showing 42C possible in the north-west, eastern England, South Yorkshire, and Nottinghamshire at around 3pm. This would constitute a new all-time temperature record.
According to the Met Office, rare amber and red weather warnings have been issued across England and Wales, with some regions expected to see temperatures as high as 40C on Wednesday and Thursday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has also issued red heat health alerts across England, warning of severe impacts on the general population.
24 counties facing 40C or more
The maps suggest that 24 counties could reach the 40C mark on Thursday. These include: Cheshire, Shropshire, Herefordshire, Gloucestershire, Staffordshire, Worcestershire, Yorkshire, Lincolnshire, Nottinghamshire, Leicestershire, Derbyshire, Norfolk, Cambridgeshire, Warwickshire, Northamptonshire, Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Surrey, Berkshire, Wiltshire, Dorset, and Somerset.
Humidity and tropical nights
The Met Office has warned of extremely humid conditions accompanying this heatwave. Dew points are forecast to reach around 22C, compared to single digits during the July 2022 heatwave. Widespread 'Tropical Nights' are also expected, with temperatures unlikely to drop below 20C overnight in southern parts of England, especially in urban areas.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Mark Sidaway said: “Red warnings are reserved for the most severe events and we’re expecting severe and significant impacts from this heatwave, with health impacts likely for many, even beyond those who are normally more vulnerable to the heat. The last time the UK recorded temperatures this high was in July 2022, but on this occasion the heat is expected to be accompanied by high humidity. As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20C, which is called a Tropical Night. This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts.”
