UK weather: First heatwave of 2025 likely as temperatures surge above 30C

As the UK braces for soaring temperatures this week, with highs expected to exceed 30C (86F), an area of high pressure settling over the country will bring intense heat. This surge in temperatures could potentially surpass the current record for the year, which stands at 29.4C (85F) in Suffolk on June 13th.

For a heatwave to be officially recognized by the Met Office, a threshold temperature needs to be maintained for a minimum of three consecutive days. This threshold varies across different regions of the UK, ranging from 25C in the north and west to 28C in parts of eastern England. While recent weeks have seen occasional spikes in temperature, they have not been sustained enough to qualify as a full-fledged heatwave.

The hot weather will initially be concentrated in East Anglia and southeast England on Monday and Tuesday, before spreading across the Midlands, east Wales, and northern England by the weekend. Monday is expected to see temperatures climb to 26C, reaching highs of 28C by Wednesday, and even surging to between 30 and 33C in some areas by the weekend. Northern Ireland and Scotland will also experience increased warmth later in the week, albeit with temperatures mostly in the low 20s.

As the weekend approaches, the future of the heatwave becomes uncertain, with a possibility of cooler air moving in from the Atlantic, accompanied by thundery downpours. Despite this, some forecast models suggest that regions like East Anglia and southeast England may continue to bask in temperatures above the 30C mark for a prolonged period. The growing frequency of heatwaves, attributed to climate change, poses challenges for critical infrastructure and public health, with heat-related health issues becoming more prevalent and leading to higher mortality rates. Heat-health alerts are being issued to mitigate the adverse impacts on the population’s wellbeing

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