A new weather record has been shattered as the Met Office recorded temperatures of 35C in May, June and July of the same year for the first time in the UK.
May and June both saw sweltering heatwaves, with temperatures reaching a high of 37.7C last month. That beat the previous June record dating back to the summer of 1976.
The highest temperature so far this week was recorded on Thursday at 35.5C in Wisley, Surrey, and the hot spell shows little sign of slowing down.
While temperatures will ease slightly from Friday’s peak, many southern and western parts are expected to remain above 30C over the weekend and into next week.
How hot will this heatwave be?
The mercury will remain high across the UK for the remainder of this week, and more regions are likely to reach their local heatwave thresholds, the Met Office said.
Saturday will see highs of 32C to 34C in Wales and south-west England. In Northern Ireland temperatures could reach 25C, while Scotland could see highs of 27C.
By the weekend, conditions are set to become increasingly humid in the North, with a growing risk of showers or isolated thunderstorms.
David Hayter, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, said: “Areas of central and southern England and Wales are expected to see several more consecutive days of temperatures above 30C.
“While temperatures are expected to reach into the low to mid-30Cs through the weekend, the focus of the heat will gradually shift towards western parts of the UK. This will also bring some slightly cooler and cloudier conditions to eastern coastal areas than of recent days. It will also turn windier across southern areas, bringing breezier conditions, especially along coasts and headlands.
“The main exception to the largely dry and sunny conditions is northern Scotland, where a cold front is bringing rain, cloud and some heavy downpours on Friday. But conditions are expected to improve over the weekend.”
When will the heatwave end?
Into early next week, temperatures are likely to trend down very slightly, although many areas will stay dry, fine and very warm.
However, there is no clear end to the current heatwave and very warm temperatures, according to the Met Office.
Tom Crabtree, deputy chief forecaster, said: “Many people will understandably want to know how long the current heatwave is likely to last. While temperatures are expected to ease across south-east England through the weekend and into next week, it won’t be a straightforward end to the warm weather.
“High pressure is expected to remain in charge through much of next week, but it will gradually migrate northwards. This means that an easterly wind will become established in the South, and the focus for the hottest conditions will migrate towards the South West.
“As a result, some places that have seen the highest temperatures during recent weeks will begin to cool. It will however, remain very warm – especially in the South West – and heatwave thresholds may continue to be met in places.
“The overall signal is for continued fine, dry and very warm weather at times for many parts of the UK into next week. There is however a chance of thunderstorms spreading into parts of the South and South West.”
What will the impact of this heatwave be?
Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the Midlands and southern England, from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Sunday.
This means significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
Yellow heat health alerts have also been issued by the agency for Yorkshire and northern England, also between 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Sunday.
The UKHSA said similar significant impacts are possible across these areas, and warned of a potential increase in water-related incidents across England, including risks from cold water shock and drowning.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said people should “take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun”.
He added: “Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year. However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking.”
The Met Office also warned England could experience tropical nights later this week.
National Rail Enquiries has urged train passengers to check for updates over the coming days because of the heatwave.
Vehicle breakdown rescue companies are also likely to be busier than usual because of the high temperatures.
Drivers are advised to carry plenty of water and conduct essential vehicle checks before setting off, particularly tyre pressures and their levels of coolant and oil.
Tony Rich, a spokesperson for the AA on road safety, said: “With temperatures expected to climb into the low thirties across parts of England over the coming days, drivers should take the heat as seriously as they would ice or heavy rain.
“A few simple checks before setting off can make all the difference. Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated, check your coolant level and carry plenty of drinking water for everyone in the vehicle, including pets.
“If you’re planning a longer journey, build in regular breaks and try to avoid the hottest part of the day where possible.
“Should you break down, get yourself and your passengers to a place of safety, ideally behind the safety barrier if there is one, and keep hydrated while waiting for assistance.”
The Met Office said UV levels are expected to be high or very high across many parts of the UK throughout the week, and advised people to ensure they use sun protection.
The forecaster further warned pollen levels are also expected to be high or very high in some areas this week.
