Warm air from Europe pushed temperatures higher across much of the country on Sunday, with the Met Office predicting that highs could reach 34°C to 35°C on Monday.
“It’s going to be a hot day,” said Met Office forecaster Craig Snell. “The humidity will make it feel particularly uncomfortable in central eastern England, where the highest temperatures are expected. Other areas will still experience warm and humid conditions, but central eastern England will see the peak heat.”
This comes as the Met Office has issued two yellow weather warnings for thunderstorms affecting parts of northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland.
London, East Anglia, and the Home Counties are forecasted to experience the highest temperatures, with London expected to reach 33°C, Manchester 26°C, and Edinburgh 21°C.
The hottest day of 2024 so far was 19 July, when temperatures reached a 31.9C in central London.
Yellow heat health alert in place
Forecasters indicated last week that the remnants of Storm Debby in the US might influence the UK’s weather by shifting the position of the jet stream, resulting in hotter temperatures.
According to the UK Health Security Agency, a yellow heat health alert is in effect until Wednesday morning for regions including the East and West Midlands, East of England, South East, North West, and London.
The alert warns that the heat could have a minor impact on public health and the social care sector. The Met Office has also advised people to keep curtains closed during the hottest part of the day and to stay hydrated.
Weather warnings in place
But not everyone across the UK will experience the sizzling weather, with two separate warnings in place for storms.
Drivers have been cautioned to anticipate road spray and potential closures during the early morning rush hour due to a mix of frequent lightning, heavy rain, hail, and brief strong winds.
The weather warning for northern England and Scotland is in effect until 1pm on Monday, while Northern Ireland’s warning remains in place until 7am.
Conditions could be ‘nasty’
Late on Sunday evening, Mr. Snell noted that thunderstorms were already moving into the Republic of Ireland. ‘They will progress into Northern Ireland later this evening, and then sweep across Scotland and northern England overnight and into tomorrow,’ he explained. ‘Some areas could experience quite severe conditions.’
Temperatures are expected to drop from Tuesday into Wednesday.
The Met Office clarified that this hot weather does not qualify as a heatwave, as temperatures must exceed a certain threshold for three consecutive days to meet the criteria. The current temperatures are unlikely to surpass the UK’s record high of 40.3°C, set in Coningsby, Lincolnshire, on 19 July 2022.
