Met Office responds to claim UK will be hit with sweltering 40C heatwave in days

21 June 2023 , 21:57
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Met Office responds to claim UK will be hit with sweltering 40C heatwave in days
Met Office responds to claim UK will be hit with sweltering 40C heatwave in days

Met Office has shared its long-range forecast amid reports temperatures could reach a scorching 40C next month.

With weather warnings for thunderstorms issued for this week, the heatwave is set to subside for a short while.

But reports have claimed it'll return next month - and stronger - with temperatures of 40C in some spots.

Britain saw its first ever 40C reading on July 19 last year, Liverpool Echo reports.

The Met Office's long-range forecast does anticipate "very warm or hot conditions probable at times" but it is too early to accurately predict temperatures.

Gales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts eiqdiexikdinvGales, snow and rain to batter country today with 80mph wind gusts
Met Office responds to claim UK will be hit with sweltering 40C heatwave in daysPeople enjoy the recent hot weather at Brighton beach (Getty Images)

Concerning the second half of the month, it said: "Heatwaves are possible, with temperatures most likely remaining well above average for the time of year.

"In this scenario, the northern parts of the UK could see increasing amounts of settled, drier weather while southern regions begin to experience a greater risk of rain, showers and thunderstorms.

"Across the UK, heatwaves are possible during July, with temperatures most likely remaining well above average for the time of year."

Met Office responds to claim UK will be hit with sweltering 40C heatwave in daysThe heatwave may subside due to rain this week but it will return, forecasters say (Anadolu Agency via Getty Images)

But before then, the UK will see heavy and, in places, thundery showers. Rain will be at its heaviest on Thursday, particularly across the Midlands.

Friday and Saturday will largely be unsettled too, though drier in the Southeast of England. It will, though, remain humid across the country.

Speaking on Tuesday, Met Office Chief Meteorologist Steve Willington said: "What’s chiefly responsible for these thundery showers is that the UK is under the influence of low pressure, with daytime heating helping to develop unstable air which can be responsible for these bursts of heavy rain."

Kate Lally

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