Parts of UK brace for third heatwave of the season (Image: Getty)
Met Office issues heatwave warning and lists 5 ways July will be different
Initially, the Met Office expected temperatures to climb steadily through this week as high pressure builds from the Azores, marking Britain's third heatwave of the year. However, forecasters say this latest spell of hot weather will not simply be a repeat of the record-breaking conditions seen in June. As a result, this week's heatwave is forecast to peak closer to 34C in the South East, and the public is preparing for a lone spike in temperatures. The purpose of the update is to prepare the public for the incoming weather and to highlight key safety changes. There are five days of building warmth, which begin on Tuesday with temperatures close to seasonal averages before moving on to peak later in the week.
Forecasters reportedly expect the air to be far less humid overall, avoiding the tropical nights and oppressive conditions across southern England. While the June heat was made particularly uncomfortable by exceptionally stifling air, representatives noted that this week's setup will feel somewhat less intense. They emphasised that despite temperatures still climbing well above average, the lower humidity will make a noticeable difference for most of the population.
While the forecast has entirely ruled out a sudden blast of extreme temperatures, officials confirmed they have not completely dismissed the potential health risks. There is a slight possibility that heat-health alerts could expand across large parts of England later in the week, putting vulnerable groups under the protection of local health services.
The Met Office last saw record-breaking extreme heat in June during a brief but intense spell that reached 38C in parts of England.
To officially qualify as a heatwave, a location must meet or exceed its specific local threshold—ranging from 25C across the north to 28C in London—for at least three consecutive days.
