BRITAIN has been blessed with glorious blasts of heat so far in 2025, with temperatures set to soar to 29C in parts of the UK today.
However, despite the sizzling heat, the Met Office has not yet declared a heatwave anywhere in the nation.
Met Office This map shows the heatwave threshold for each region of the UK[/caption]
Brits soaking up the sun on Brighton beach last weekendAlamy
©Graham HuntSun seekers enjoying the heat in Exmouth[/caption]
Will there be a heatwave in the UK?
The UK’s national weather service has said that parts of the UK could “very well be” in a heatwave by the end of the week, but this depends on certain thresholds being met.
For a heatwave to be declared, a location has to record a period of at least three consecutive days where temperatures meet or exceed the heatwave threshold for that location.
Temperature thresholds are different across the UK, with, as shown in the map above, the threshold for much of the north and west being 25C.
In London and the Home Counties, the threshold is higher, at 28 degrees.
Tony Wisson, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office said: “By the beginning of the weekend we could very well be meeting heatwave thresholds in places.
“While the warmest temperatures are likely across London and the east of England, by Saturday heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, low-lying areas bordering the Peak District and even parts of east Wales.”
How long will the heatwave last?
Tan happy Brits will likely be soaking up the sun today, as London is set to see highs of 29C, with residents of Wales basking in balmy 25C heat.
In London – where the threshold is 28C – temperatures could peak at 29C on Thursday and 31C on Friday, before hitting 32C on Saturday.
The hot weather will then spread further north, with Manchester and Newcastle enjoying temperatures into the late 20s by the weekend.
The Met Office said several places were expected to exceed 30C on Saturday, making them the highest temperatures of the year so far.
Tony said: “Over the next few days, settled weather and warm sunshine will allow temperatures to rise day on day.
“Temperatures will then rise further towards the end of the week as winds turn more southerly and even warmer air over continental Europe will be drawn across the UK.
“While the warmest temperatures are likely across London and the east of England, by Saturday heatwave thresholds could be reached across much of the Midlands, low-lying areas bordering the Peak District and even parts of east Wales.”
However, high pressure is expected to move away from the UK early next week, meaning that temperatures will fall.
Tony added: “Temperatures are likely to peak in the low 30s Celsius this weekend before easing sometime early week.
How to stay safe in hot weather
The UK Health Security Agency advised you follow these tips to reduce your risk of dehydration, heat exhaustion and heatstroke:
Keep out of the sun at the hottest time of the day, between 11am and 3pm
If you are going to do a physical activity like exercising or walking the dog, plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler such as the morning or evening
Keep your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
If you go outside, cover up with light clothing, a hat and sunglasses and slather on sun cream
Drink plenty of fluids but limit booze
Know the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke and what to do if you or someone else has them
Check on family, friends and neighbours who may be at higher risk of becoming unwell, and if you are at higher risk, ask them to do the same for you
Source: UKHSA
“Some forecast models even allow temperatures to rise into the mid 30s of Celsius by Monday.
“While this is feasible, it is considered a lower-likelihood scenario.”
The London Fire Brigade has issued a warning over wildfires before the prolonged spell of hot weather and following one of the driest springs on record.
A drought was declared by the Environment Agency across Yorkshire last week while the North West of England entered drought status last month.
The UK’s June temperature record stands at 35.6C, which was set in Southampton in 1976.
Current forecasts suggest the record is unlikely to be broken this time – but it will come close.
LNPLondoners enjoying the heat in sunny St James’ Park[/caption]
AlamySunbathers relaxing in Dorset[/caption] Published: [#item_custom_pubDate]
