UK weather: New heatwave maps turn red showing five areas that will see 29C

Brits are set to see a sweltering 29C heatwave in mid-July according to new weather maps.

The UK may be in the middle of wet and cool conditions but there could be blue skies ahead with rising temperatures starting in the second half of next week.

Maps from Netweather indicate that the heatwave will kick off on July 12, with temperatures potentially peaking at 29C around London and the south coast, including Brighton, Chichester, Dover, and Newhaven, on July 15.

Somerset and Dorset could see slightly cooler temperatures between 24C and 26C and cities including Manchester, Birmingham and Liverpool may experience highs between 25C and 27C. But in Devon and Cornwall the mercury could be lower between 17C and 21C along the coast.

In Scotland, peak temperatures are expected to also be a bit cooler, ranging from 14C in northern coastal areas to between 22C and 25C in the warmest spots on the east coast. Wales could also see a range of temperatures, from 17C in coastal regions to a high of 26C in the north and south.

A Netweather map for July 14

This upcoming hot spell follows a period of fluctuating weather, with everything from heavy rain to blistering heat experienced during the spring and summer months. While the Met Office's long-range forecast warns of more unsettled weather on the horizon.

This coming weekend is likely to be cool and showery again with the northwest of the country bearing the brunt of the showers. "Expect plenty of dry weather with sunny spells in between the showers. As we move into the following week, more cloud and rain-bearing weather systems are likely to sweep across the UK, accompanied by stronger winds at times in the west, continuing the recent changeable theme," states the Met Office.

"However, there are tentative signs that after the early part of next week, conditions may start to gradually become a bit more settled, at least for a while. This is particularly so across eastern parts, with temperatures more widely trending back up to average and then potentially above average as the week progresses."

While the UK looks forward to upturn in temperatures parts of Europe including Greece and Turkey, have had to grapple with extreme heat and forest fires. William Spencer, climate and first aid product manager at the British Red Cross, issued a warning about the dangers of heatwaves on the continent: "Heatwaves are becoming more frequent and getting worse because of climate change. Sadly, we have seen cases already this year of the tragic impact high temperatures can have on human life."

UK 5 day weather forecast

This Evening and Tonight:

Rain continuing to spread eastwards across Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England this evening before becoming widespread later in the night. Remaining cloudy elsewhere with the far southwest staying mostly dry.

Wednesday:

A cloudy and damp day for many on Wednesday, particularly in the north of the UK. Turning especially breezy in the northwest and feeling cool under the cloud and rain.

Outlook for Thursday to Saturday:

Brighter on Thursday with blustery showers. Winds becoming lighter on Friday with outbreaks of rain in the south. Sunshine and showers on Saturday. Temperatures remaining on the cool side.

Updated: 17:00 (UTC+1) on Tue 2 Jul 2024