A scorching summer is on its way to the UK, with temperatures set to soar and a ‘mini heatwave’ arriving next week.
A gradual rise in temperature is expected to bring a taste of summer to the UK, with warmer weather arriving next week. The warmest weather of the year so far is on its way, and it might be time to dust off the BBQ and apply ‘sunscreen’.
The United Kingdom's climate is generally temperate, with mild winters and cool summers.
The country experiences a maritime climate due to its proximity to the Atlantic Ocean and the Gulf Stream.
Rainfall is frequent throughout the year, with an average annual rainfall of around 1,154 mm in England.
The UK's weather is influenced by its geography, with mountains and hills blocking or deflecting prevailing winds.
This leads to regional variations in temperature and precipitation.
When Will the Heat Arrive?
Through the weekend, temperatures will gradually rise, with England and Wales seeing highs of 16 to 21C by Sunday. Scotland and Northern Ireland will stay cooler and more unsettled. The heat starts to build more widely on Monday, with temperatures increasing day on day. The peak of the hot spell will be on Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures may reach 26 or even 27C towards the south-east.
The United Kingdom's temperature varies significantly depending on the season and region.
The average annual temperature is around 9-10°C (48-50°F), with temperatures ranging from -10°C to 30°C (-14°F to 86°F).
Summer months are usually mild, while winters can be quite chilly.
Coastal areas tend to have a moderating effect on temperatures due to the influence of the ocean.
Mountainous regions experience more extreme temperature fluctuations.
Marathon Weather
The two largest marathons in the UK take place on Sunday, and many runners will feel the rise in temperatures. In London, it will be dry and mostly sunny with light winds, while Manchester will see spells of sunshine and a gentle south-westerly breeze. Temperatures at the start of the race will be 13C, but for runners finishing around mid-afternoon, it will be a warm 21C.
Is This a Heatwave?
Whilst the upcoming spell of warmth will see temperatures 10 degrees above average for the time of year, it’s not technically going to be a heatwave in meteorological terms. To qualify as a heatwave, we’d need to see at least 3 consecutive days at or above the ‘heatwave threshold’ , which varies depending on where you are in the UK.
A heatwave in the UK is defined as a prolonged period of abnormally hot weather, typically lasting for at least three consecutive days.
The 'Met Office' issues heatwave warnings when temperatures are expected to reach 30°C (86°F) or higher over a large area.
According to the UK's climate change projections, heatwaves will become more frequent and intense due to global warming.
In recent years, the UK has experienced several severe heatwaves, including one in 2019 that saw temperatures soar above 40°C (104°F).
UV and Pollen Levels
Be prepared for high levels of UV, as the sun is as strong this time of year as it is in August. If you’re a hay fever sufferer, another feature of the warm, sunny weather will be an increase in pollen levels.
How Unusual Is This?
This will be the warmest weather of the year so far and the warmest since early September. However, April can bring big swings in temperature, and it is not unusual to see this type of hot spell during spring. The highest April temperature ever recorded is 29.4C, which was reached in London on 16 April 1949.
How Long Will It Last?
A blocked weather pattern with high pressure to the east of the UK and low pressure to the west means the heat will be drawn up from continental Europe. This pattern could remain in place until the end of next week but there are signs of a cooler, more unsettled spell towards the next Bank Holiday weekend.
