An extreme heat warning has been issued by the Met Office as the UK faces a prolonged spell of high temperatures this week, with forecasts suggesting peaks of up to 38C across parts of England and Wales. Amber warnings now cover four consecutive days, with officials warning of potential record-breaking conditions and heat-related disruption.
Double Amber Heat Warnings Across England And Wales
The Met Office has issued an initial amber extreme heat warning covering Monday and Tuesday across central and southern England, as well as parts of Wales. A second amber warning has now been extended into Wednesday and Thursday, expanding coverage to similar regions and parts of northwest England and North Wales.
Temperatures are expected to rise sharply through the week, with forecasts suggesting around 37C on Tuesday and peaks of 38C on Wednesday and Thursday. Friday is expected to remain hot, with highs near 33C.
Risk Of Record-Breaking June Temperatures
Forecasters say there is growing confidence that this week could deliver the hottest June temperatures on record in the UK, potentially surpassing the 35.6C recorded in Southampton in 1976.
Met Office meteorologists have described conditions as exceptional for June, particularly across central and southern regions where the highest values are expected. Some forecasts suggest southern counties and southwest Wales could see the most intense heat, depending on how wind patterns develop through the week.
There is also the possibility that warning levels could be upgraded further if temperatures continue to trend higher than expected.
Heat, Humidity And Uncomfortable Nights
Alongside rising daytime temperatures, humidity levels are expected to reach around 20%, adding to discomfort during peak heat periods. Forecasters are also warning of unusually warm nights. Temperatures are expected to remain above 20C in many areas, creating so-called tropical nights where there is little overnight relief.
The combination of heat and humidity is a key factor behind the amber warnings, with potential impacts on health, travel conditions and general daily activity.
Wider European Heat Conditions
The UK is experiencing the latest wave in a wider European heat pattern, with several countries also recording unusually high temperatures this week. The broader weather system is helping sustain hot air over western Europe, limiting cooler air movement and extending the duration of the heat spell.
Comparison With Previous UK Heat Records
The UK record temperature of 40.3C was recorded in July 2022 at RAF Coningsby. While current forecasts remain below that level, meteorologists note that humidity this week is higher than in some previous heat events.
This means conditions could feel more oppressive even without matching the absolute record temperatures, particularly during peak daytime heat and overnight periods.
The Met Office has not ruled out further updates to warning levels depending on how conditions evolve during the week.
