The Met Office has confirmed that a third heatwave is set to hit the UK next week, but with one key difference: it will be significantly less humid than the record-breaking event last week. This lower humidity is expected to make the heat feel more tolerable, even if temperatures reach the 30s Celsius in some areas.
Record-Breaking June Heat
Last week, the UK experienced its hottest June day on record, with a temperature of 37.7°C recorded at Lingwood in Norfolk on June 26, surpassing the previous record of 37.3°C set at Santon Downham in Suffolk on the same day. This was the second heatwave of the year, prompting rare red heat warnings, hospital critical incidents, school closures, and a hosepipe ban in parts of England.
Scientists noted that such intense heat would have been virtually impossible 50 years ago, attributing the increase to human-driven climate change, which is fueling more frequent and extreme heat events.
What Makes the Third Heatwave Different
While temperatures have returned to average this week, the Met Office predicts a rise again next week, likely reaching heatwave conditions in some regions. However, forecasters emphasize that this third heatwave will not be as humid as the previous one. Last week's air mass traveled over the Atlantic, bringing high moisture levels that raised dew point temperatures and made it harder for the body to cool through sweating.
According to the Met Office: "Higher moisture levels increase dew point temperatures, which in turn make it more difficult for the body to cool itself through sweating. As a result, even if temperatures are similar to previous hot spells, the added humidity can make conditions feel more oppressive and increase the potential for heat-related impacts."
Forecast Details
Tony Wisson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "Toward the weekend, high pressure will continue to build in across most of the UK as it extends from the Azores. This will lead to more settled, warm or very warm conditions for many, especially across England and Wales, though some rain may still affect the far north."
He added: "The forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach high 20s°C across parts of England, perhaps 30°C in parts of the southeast, with values of mid to high 20s°C in Wales. Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low."
Temperature Outlook
Met Office heat maps show temperatures reaching up to 27°C in parts of southern England on Sunday afternoon, rising to 29°C on Monday and Tuesday. In Manchester, temperatures are forecast to be cooler, peaking at 23°C on Monday afternoon. The lower humidity is expected to make the heat feel more manageable compared to last week's oppressive conditions.
