Parts of England are set to swelter as weather charts show temperatures soaring to 32C, with 22 counties expected to breach 30C next month. The latest WXCharts maps highlight a surge in heat across eastern, central, and south-eastern England around June 16, marking a stark contrast to the cooler, stormy start to June.
Deep Red Across England
The WXCharts visuals show deep red shading stretching across the Home Counties, East Anglia, and parts of the Midlands. Several locations are forecast to hit 31C, with isolated hotspots reaching a scorching 32C.
The heatwave follows an already record-breaking May, when Heathrow recorded 33.5C on May 25, the hottest May day ever in the UK. That day also became the hottest bank holiday Monday on record, highlighting a summer that is starting unusually early and intensely.
North-South Divide
The charts indicate a sharp north-south temperature divide. While southern and eastern England face sweltering conditions, Scotland remains considerably cooler, with temperatures mostly between 13C and 18C. Northern England will see slightly warmer conditions, generally in the low to mid-20s, while Wales enjoys highs in the mid to high 20s.
WXCharts anomaly maps confirm that much of England will experience temperatures above seasonal averages, especially in eastern regions. This pattern suggests the heat will be prolonged and widespread, not just limited to isolated areas.
Counties Facing 30C+ Temperatures
Meteorologists have identified 22 counties where temperatures are expected to exceed 30C:
Bedfordshire, Berkshire, Buckinghamshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex, Gloucestershire, Hertfordshire, Kent, Leicestershire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Nottinghamshire, Oxfordshire, Rutland, Surrey, Suffolk, Warwickshire, Wiltshire, Worcestershire, East Sussex, and Greater London.
Residents in these areas are being advised to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged sun exposure, and take precautions with vulnerable groups such as children and the elderly.
Implications and Advice
The surge in temperatures comes amid a volatile start to June, which brought heavy rain, thunderstorms, and gusty winds to parts of England, Wales, and Scotland. The Met Office warns that the rapid transition from wet and stormy conditions to scorching heat could strain local infrastructure, particularly public transport and energy networks.
Experts also caution that outdoor work, events, and school activities may need adjustment, and public health guidance emphasizes sun protection, cooling measures, and staying indoors during peak heat hours.
The upcoming heatwave underscores the increasing variability in UK summers, with record-breaking temperatures becoming more frequent in recent years. Monitoring local weather forecasts and preparing for heat-related impacts will be key for households and businesses across the affected counties.
