Britain is set to face a scorching weekend as a nationwide heatwave reaches its peak. A combination of unusual meteorological phenomena will push temperatures close to 35°C, with health warnings issued across the country. This dramatic weather event will not only challenge the UK’s summer heat records but also spark significant concerns for public health.
According to the Met Office, the UK will experience a “double-burner” heatwave this weekend, as high-pressure systems from Greenland and hot air from the Continent collide.
The result will be a sharp rise in temperatures, with much of the country seeing conditions that are both dry and sweltering. As the temperature soars, the UK faces a mixture of record-breaking heat and the possibility of serious health risks.
A High-Pressure Lid and Hot Air From Europe
A high-pressure system will dominate the weather patterns over Britain this week. Meteorologists have explained that this high-pressure ‘lid’ will trap warm air, allowing temperatures to climb steadily as the weekend approaches.
By Saturday and Sunday, the weather will be heavily influenced by a plume of tropical air moving in from the Continent, particularly from Spain and France, making the heat even more intense.
Alex Burkill, a meteorologist at the Met Office, noted that temperatures could easily reach into the low 30s, and possibly even mid-30s by Sunday. This will be driven not only by the high-pressure system but also by the warm air arriving from southern Europe.
According to Burkill, the expected highs could come dangerously close to the UK’s June record of 35.6°C. A 15% chance exists that this record may be surpassed, depending on how the weather systems align in the coming days.
Health Risks and Government Warnings
As the UK faces this extreme heat, the government has issued multiple health warnings, urging the public to take precautions. The Met Office has highlighted that nearly the entire country will experience heatwave conditions by Sunday, with only the far northern regions likely to remain slightly cooler.
The high temperatures, coupled with increased humidity, will heighten the risks of heat-related illnesses, especially for vulnerable groups such as the elderly and young children.
Matthew Lehnert, Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, explained that the high-pressure system will cause the air to sink, heating up rapidly as it travels over the course of several days. This intensifying heat, combined with the moist tropical air from southern Europe, will make conditions feel oppressive by the weekend.
The UK has been accustomed to sporadic heatwaves in recent years, but this particular event is expected to stand out due to its intensity and duration. Jim Dale, a meteorologist from British Weather Services, also highlighted that the peak temperatures could threaten summer heat records as we head into July.
