A number of heat alerts will be in place at the start of the week as hot weather continues but the country could also be hit by thunderstorms
The UK is braced for thunderstorms and more sweltering weather on Tuesday as humid and hot conditions persist across the country.
Temperatures reached 33C in parts of the South East on Monday as the country saw another hot start to the week, which was warmer than holiday hotspots in Greece.
But the humid conditions are expected to bring some thunderstorms on Tuesday. Yellow weather warnings are in force in parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland, as forecasters warn of strong, gusty winds and 20 to 30mm of rain in places
Elsewhere, the Met Office predicts persistent, and at times heavy rain in the North, with scattered showers elsewhere, especially in the West.
Forecasters said “very warm” temperatures are expected to continue in the east, with highs of 31C expected in Norwich.
In response to the anticipated heat, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London from 9am on Monday until Wednesday morning.
Yellow heat health alerts will be in place for the North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, West Midlands and South West over the same period.
Met Office map below shows where it will be hottest on Monday:
About the week’s weather, Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said on Sunday: “We’re going with a headline of 34C on Monday, but with a potential for local 35C in the South East, the Midlands into the low 30s as well.
“So central and southern England, widely high 20s to low 30s, and approaching or if not touching, the mid 30s in the South East.
“Tomorrow is the peak of the heat; temperatures do come down a little bit, we’re still talking 28 to 30C on Tuesday. Again, the South East and East Anglia we’re seeing the highest temperatures on Tuesday, so not as extreme as tomorrow, but still well above average.”
He continued: “And then even by Wednesday, we’re looking at high 20s, 26 or 27C, in the South East.
“But it’s a gradual cooling down process through the week, and always cooler towards the North and West in any case, high teens, low 20s, but certainly central and South East England seeing hot weather returning briefly, and a lot of sunshine to come in the South East as well.”
Weather map below shows the UK’s forecasted temperatures for the week:
Mr Petagna said low pressure moving in from the West could bring rain to northern and western parts of the UK, with a chance of showers reaching the South East on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could see heavy rain, with weather warnings possible in parts of Scotland.
Wales is forecast to reach the high 20s on Monday before cooling to the mid-20s over the following days, he added.
Polly Ashmore of the UKHSA said: “Periods of hot weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice.
“Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are some of the key ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather.”
Rain in the north, sunny spells in the south.
Persistent, at times heavy rain will continue in the North, with a risk of hail and thunder across Northern Ireland. Scattered showers elsewhere, mainly in western areas. Very warm and humid conditions persist in the East.
Rain is likely to continue across the North, with scattered showers elsewhere. It will be mostly dry across eastern and south-eastern England, where another warm night is expected.
Showers or longer spells of rain will continue across northern areas, with a risk of hail and thunder. Sunny spells elsewhere. Windy in the North, with temperatures nearer normal.
A mixed few days to come, with sunny spells and scattered showers expected each day. Staying rather breezy, with a much cooler feel compared to of late.
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