In London, a heatwave is officially declared when it records a daily maximum temperature of at least 28C for at least three consecutive days
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London and the South East could be heading for another burst of summer heat, with the Met Office predicting temperatures could climb into the mid-20s over the coming days. This isn’t as hot as the 30C temperatures we saw in May – but cheerier than the rain we have seen over the past week or so.
But The Met Office is not currently considering it an official heatwave at this stage. In London, a heatwave is officially declared when it records a daily maximum temperature of at least 28C for at least three consecutive days .
After a week dominated by cloud, showers and below-average temperatures, forecasters say a major shift is on the way as high pressure builds across the UK, bringing warmer and more settled weather. The change has sparked hopes of a second early-summer heat spell following the unusually warm conditions seen during May, when temperatures climbed well above the seasonal average across much of southern England.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Greg Wolverson said the improving conditions are being driven by a change in the jet stream. He said: “As we move into the weekend the jet stream temporarily shifts northwards, allowing high pressure to build from the south,” he said.
“This brings a drier and warmer weekend for many. Saturday will see a more settled day of weather across southern areas, with some sunny spells developing. Temperatures here could reach 22-23C.
“Sunday looks set to be widely dry across the UK, with further sunshine and temperatures continuing to rise. The warmest spots are likely across southern England where temperatures may reach 23-24C, bringing a notably warmer feel compared to earlier in the week.”
The warmer conditions are expected to linger into next week, with a bit of a north-south divide in the UK. The Met Office said: “Southern and south-eastern areas likely to experience longer spells of dry and warm weather [into next week] while the north and west see more in the way of cloud and rain.”
The Met Office said there is even the potential for “very warm or locally hot weather” later next week if high pressure strengthens again, with central, southern and eastern England most likely to see the highest temperatures.
However, forecasters have warned people planning trips to the coast not to be caught out by cold water temperatures despite the warmer weather. Ashley Jones, Head of Water Safety and Education at the Royal Life Saving Society UK, urged people to take care after a series of recent drowning tragedies during the half-term hot weather. He said: “Despite warmer air temperatures, open water remains dangerously cold – even for experienced swimmers.”
London and South East weather forecast
- Friday, June 12: A mostly cloudy start with the chance of some patchy drizzle. Brighter skies dwill develop through the afternoon with some warm sunshine and breezy conditions. Highs of 23C . Into this evening, ry with plenty of late sunshine before clear skies overnight. Winds will gradually ease. Lows of 10C .
- Saturday, June 13 A dry and sunny day with lighter winds and a warmer feel than recent days. Temperatures reaching 23C .
- Sunday, June 14 Any early mist or fog will quickly clear to leave a dry, bright and rather warm day with lengthy sunny spells. Highs of around 24C .
- Monday, June 15 Largely dry with variable cloud and sunny intervals. A slight chance of an isolated overnight shower, but most places staying fine. Temperatures edging higher.
- Tuesday, June 16 Another settled day with sunny spells and light to moderate breezes. Feeling warm, with above-average temperatures expected across London and the South East.
