Brits are currently in the middle of the longest heatwave so far this year - and there is still more to come. The Met Office has now extended its amber warning for the extreme weather in England and Wales.
Initially, the alert had been issued for Sunday and Monday, with temperatures on both days set to reach up to 30C in Greater Manchester and exceeding 35C in the south of England. But the warning has been widened to include Tuesday July 19.
The current heatwave, which is a result of hot air flowing to the UK from the continent, could be life-threatening for some. A Met Office spokesperson said: “Population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life.”
Read more: Fire service issues warning on BBQ's and open water swimming as temperatures set to soar
Widespread disruption, including road closures and cancellations and delays to rail and air travel are also possible. Forecasters believe there is a 30% chance the mercury could pass the current UK record of 38.7C (101.7F), set in Cambridge in 2019.
According to BBC weather, rain and thunderstorms are forecast in Greater Manchester on Wednesday July 20, the day after the amber heat warning ends. Temperatures will be cooler than the projected 30C at the weekend, peaking at 21C.
Yet further south, in London, there is only a 30% chance of a shower on Wednesday afternoon and the temperature will hit a warm 26C. But the Met Office's long-range forecast also predicts thundery showers for much of the country.
Touching upon July 16 to 25, it says: “Thundery showers are occasionally possible in the south and southwest too, spreading erratically northwards and eastwards. It is uncertain how long the very hot weather will last, but it is likely that much of the UK will see a return to cooler and more widely unsettled conditions during the week.”
But is this the end of summer? Not according to the Met Office which says temperatures will creep above average again by the first week of August, reports the Express.
Its long-range forecast continues: “After a spell of more changeable conditions for many areas, high pressure will likely bring more settled weather again to the south and southwest. This may extend more widely across the UK, bringing generally fine weather for most, however the northwest will continue to see the majority of any cloud and rain
“Temperatures will likely be above average for most, especially in the south, with the potential for it to be hot across England and Wales.”
Read next:
