Weather maps have turned a radioactive orange and black ahead of the weekend as forecasters anticipate sweltering temperatures above 30C. The Met Office has triggered health alerts for much of the UK and has warned Britons to take care as the scorching heat looms. While the agency has predicted that temperatures could crack official heatwave parameters, the uncomfortable highs may not last long.
In its latest update, the forecasters said that central and southern England could become the first regions to experience an official heatwave this year.
Chris Almond, the Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, said that, after Thursday’s widespread thundery, wet weather, the country would transition to a “more typical weather pattern” over the weekend.
Mr Almond said Saturday would hit the high 20C range, remaining largely pleasant.
Brian Gaze, chief forecaster and founder of The Weather Outlook said temperatures could rise to 28C.
He told Express.co.uk: “Saturday is looking dry in much of the UK, although outbreaks of rain affect parts of the north-west.
“In the south temperatures peak at close to 28C (82F).”
Both forecasters agreed that Sunday would bring the heat, with highs possibly exceeding 30C.
Mr Almond said the mercury would likely peak “in the low 30s”, while Mr Gaze gave a more specific prediction.
He said: “The main focus will be Sunday. In the southeast and East Anglia, temperatures may reach a scorching 33C (91F).”
But he warned that, as the past week has proven, the uncomfortable heat would also prompt heavy rainfall and more storms.
Mr Gaze added: “At the same time, a cold front will be pushing in from the west.
“It brings the likelihood of heavy outbreaks of rain and thundery downpours to central and northern counties.”
“Whilst the south roasts, parts of the north could be experiencing flash floods and disruption.”
The heatwave will likely prove short-lived, with forecasts and maps showing gradual cooling the following week.
Mr Gaze said it would “turn cooler in the south” from Monday, June 26, with temperatures dropping back to the mid-20C range.
Met Office five-day forecast
Today: Hazy sunshine with risks of showers breaking out in north of England and Scotland.
Saturday: Outbreaks of rain in the north with more hazy sunshine in the south of Britain.
Sunday to Tuesday: Very warm in the south east of England on Sunday with the north seeing more rain. Monday and Tuesday will be cooler.
