Higher than average temperatures

Met Office Chief Meteorologist, Frank Saunders, said: “High pressure in combination with warm, southerly winds will bring a spell of summery weather across parts of the UK early this week, with plenty of sunshine and higher than average temperatures for most.

Upcoming forecast

“On Monday and Tuesday temperatures in Northern Ireland and Scotland will be in the high-teens to low 20s Celsius but with cloudier skies at times, and the odd shower. Meanwhile England and Wales will be sunnier, especially today with temperatures widely above 25 Celsius.  It’ll turn hot in southern and eastern areas with temperatures reaching around 30 Celsius in a few spots, possibly 31 Celsius on Tuesday.

Frank continued: “On Wednesday a cold front will slowly sink southwards, bringing cloudier skies and temperatures closer to average for northern parts of the UK, but southern areas will still see plenty of sunshine and temperatures in the mid- possibly high-20s Celsius, which could meet heatwave criteria in a few locations.”

September records

This will be the longest September warm spell in the UK since 2016, where temperatures reached 34.3 Celsius at Gravesend on the 13th.  The current highest September temperature on record is 35.6 C, reached on 2 September 1906 at Bawtry, South Yorkshire.

Heat Health Alert

Monday night will be warm for many in towns and cities, with temperatures of 16 to 19 Celsius across some central and southern areas.  A Level 2 heat-health alert has been issued for south east England Monday into Wednesday.

Ishani Kar-Purkayastha, Consultant in Public Health at Public Health England, said:  “People recovering from COVID-19 at home, older people and people with underlying health conditions will be more vulnerable during this hot spell.

Be vigilant

“If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support. The most important advice is to ensure they stay hydrated, keep cool and take steps to prevent their homes from overheating.  Follow guidance on COVID-19 at all times and when using public cool spaces including shaded outdoor spaces, do so considerately.”

Week ahead

Commenting on the weather for the second half of the week, Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Chris Tubbs, said: “Thursday and Friday will be fine and dry for most as high pressure remains close to the UK.  Whilst it’ll be cooler for northern areas with temperatures close to normal and the chance of frost in rural spots overnight, it’ll stay warm in southern and eastern parts of the UK with temperatures staying in the low to mid-20s Celsius into the weekend.”

Stay connected

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