Britain Braces for New Heatwave as Temperatures Set to Climb

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Britain is on course for its fourth heatwave of the summer, with temperatures forecast to surge into the low-30 degrees Celsius range across parts of southern England next week. A yellow heat health alert has been issued, covering much of the country, as forecasters monitor the influence of tropical weather systems developing in the Atlantic.

After a mixed spell of wind and rain heading into the weekend, warmer and drier conditions are expected to build gradually across southern regions. The Met Office has stated that temperatures could reach 25°C to 26°C by Sunday, particularly across England and Wales, while Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to remain cooler with increased cloud cover and occasional rain.

According to Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick, “We will see a slow increase in temperatures over the weekend, reaching 25°C or 26°C in the south, but always more windy and cooler in the north in the wind and under the cloud. Much of England and Wales is starting to feel that heat on Sunday, with temperatures pushing into the high 20s, but cooler and cloudier in Scotland and Northern Ireland with some rain on the cards. On Monday, there is a good chance that we could start to push into the low-30s.”

A major factor in the weather outlook is Tropical Storm Dexter, currently dissipating over the western Atlantic Ocean. Although weakening, the storm’s remnants are expected to split into two low-pressure systems as they move toward the UK. This development could lead to further unsettled conditions in the north early next week, particularly in Scotland and northern England, with a possibility of rain and gusty winds.

“There is low confidence as to where exactly that rain will be and where the strongest winds are going to be,” Criswick added. “Most of the models agree that there is going to be some wet and windy weather pushing its way into the UK early into next week.”

The Met Office, in collaboration with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), has issued a yellow heat health alert for all regions except the North East and North West. The alert will be in effect from 12pm on Sunday, 11 August until 6pm on Tuesday, 13 August. The warning signals increased health risks for vulnerable populations, including the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.

Jim Dale, senior meteorologist at British Weather Services, confirmed that the coming spell is likely to meet official heatwave criteria. “We are likely to see three or more days of very high temperatures, and as this is likely to breach thresholds, which is 28°C in London, we are looking at another heatwave. This will be driven by what is coming out of the Continent, and by next weekend we could be looking at the low-30s,” he said.

While southern and central England are expected to benefit from drier and hotter conditions, cooler temperatures and unsettled weather will likely persist further north. The UK is currently experiencing a pattern of stark regional contrasts, typical of transitional periods between Atlantic and Continental influences.

Looking ahead, weather models indicate that high pressure will likely dominate through the middle of August. This could help maintain warmer conditions across much of the country. With European nations already experiencing extreme heat of up to 40°C, hot air masses drifting northward are expected to support further temperature rises in the UK.

As Britain enters the next stage of its summer, authorities continue to urge residents to prepare for higher temperatures and to follow guidance to stay safe during prolonged hot spells