A third heatwave in the United Kingdom is becoming increasingly likely in the coming days, with forecasters predicting temperatures could climb to 30°C in some areas as high pressure builds across western Europe.
A developing system of high pressure, extending from the Azores towards Portugal and Spain, is expected to drive warmer air northwards, pushing temperatures across France and into southern parts of the UK by the weekend.
Meteorologists say conditions in southern and eastern England could meet official heatwave thresholds, which require three consecutive days of high temperatures — typically 28°C in London and the south-east.
The Met Office reported that last month was the warmest June on record for England and the second warmest for the UK overall, underscoring an unusually warm start to summer.
By Friday, temperatures in parts of Greater London and the Home Counties could approach heatwave levels, with forecasts suggesting a peak of around 30°C by Sunday in some areas, BBC reports.
However, officials note that much of the UK will not yet meet the criteria for a formal heatwave designation during the current spell.
While southern England is expected to experience the hottest conditions, northern regions are likely to remain cooler.
Areas such as Northern Ireland, Scotland, and northern England may see temperatures between 20°C and 24°C, influenced by Atlantic air and the position of the jet stream.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat-health alerts for several regions, including London, the East Midlands, East of England, south-east and south-west England, warning of increased risks to vulnerable populations.
Authorities say that although conditions may be hot, the air is expected to be less humid than previous heatwaves, which could make temperatures feel more tolerable for some.
Forecasters caution that while heat is expected to build steadily, wind direction and atmospheric changes later in the week could influence how extreme temperatures become, with some uncertainty over whether hotter southerly air will fully develop.
