UK weather: Unprecedented heatwave to last days across south and east

Temperatures to reach 37C in London and southeast England

(Getty)

Sweltering temperatures will bathe the UK in exceptional warmth from Friday, but meteorologists have forecast a heatwave like no other seen before.

Highs of 37C are expected across southern and eastern parts, marking only the fifth time the country has seen such temperatures since records began.

And this could be the first time the country sees that degree of heat twice in the same year, following last Friday’s high of 37C.

Emma Salter, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said on Friday: “We’ve never had two days in the same summer where we’ve had 37C or more … Today it will be the first time ever that we’ve had a summer with two days of 37C. It is really hot.”

Unlike last week’s flash-in-the-pan heatwave, this one is forecast to extend long beyond the end of Friday, with 36C expected on Saturday, 35C on Sunday and 34C on Monday and Tuesday.

Those temperatures make this heatwave even more unusual because the country has only ever seen three consecutive days of 35C or above three times before.

There is some good news too for those beyond the southeast waiting for summer climes, as the heat is going to spread into the 30s for much of England and some of Wales throughout the weekend.

The heatwave is not without its drawbacks though and the Met Office has issued an amber heat health alert.

Ishani Kar-Purkayastha, a consultant in public health at Public Health England, said: “Many of us welcome warmer weather, but some people may find it more difficult to cope.

“People recovering from Covid-19 at home, those who are self-isolating, older people and people with underlying health conditions are all more vulnerable during hot weather.

“This summer, many of us are spending more time at home due to Covid-19.

“A lot of homes can overheat, so it’s important we continue to check on older people and those with underlying health conditions, particularly if they’re living alone and may be socially isolated.”

The Met Office has advised people to keep cool and stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids, avoiding excess alcohol and dressing appropriately.

Moving northwards beyond the hotspots, the picture changes remarkably and a weather front sat to the north and west will bring cloudy conditions and outbreaks of rain for Scotland and Northern Ireland. There could also be some thunderstorms on Friday.

But it will still be warmer than average in those areas, with temperatures expected to reach the low- to mid-20s, and things will improve with Saturday and Sunday bringing light winds and plenty of sunshine for a pleasant summery spell.