Temperatures are expected to soar to 36C for parts of England, hotter than Barcelona this week, as a fresh heatwave sweeps many parts of the country.
Following a dry, sunny and warm weekend for many across England and Wales, parts of Britain will be hotter than the Catalan tourist hot spot, which can expect highs of only 33C on Friday.
The Met Office has predicted temperatures will climb “significantly” across the UK this week, increasing to between 32C and 34C on Wednesday.
While weather maps currently show peaks of 34C across the South East and East Anglia, the Met Office said temperatures were likely to rise to 36C in parts of those regions on Thursday.
Deputy chief forecaster Mike Silverstone said the heatwave was expected to be fairly widespread across England and Wales.
“A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places,” he said.
“The heat is expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34C possible in parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales. East Anglia and southeast England, however, could see temperatures even higher on Thursday.
“Humidity levels are also expected to increase through the week, which may make conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight.”
The UK has experienced a consistent North-South split in the weather across this summer, with Scotland and Northern Ireland having heavy spells of rain over the weekend.
Almost three-quarters of England and the whole of Wales are now in drought, prompting emergency services to warn of tinderbox conditions.
Temperatures are expected to reach 26C in Edinburgh on Wednesday. Further south, temperatures will remain above 30C across England and Wales. The mercury is expected to peak at 30C as north as Leeds on Wednesday.
These temperatures will stretch further north on Thursday with Newcastle-upon-Tyne experiencing 30C while Leeds and York experience scorching 33C heat.
All of England is under an amber heat health alert lasting until 9pm on Friday. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned of risks to the lives of the elderly and vulnerable people and significant effects on health and social care services.
Met Office four-day weather forecast
Wednesday
Cloudy in western Scotland and western parts of Northern Ireland with showers, turning heavy at times. A dry and sunny day elsewhere with hot sunshine.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday
Turning hotter through the next few days with extreme heat possible in parts of England and Wales, particularly on Thursday. Largely dry and sunny, but showers possible in the northwest.
