Met Office gives verdict on if UK could see another heatwave as Europe sizzles

16 July 2023 , 14:30
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Met Office gives verdict on if UK could see another heatwave as Europe sizzles
Met Office gives verdict on if UK could see another heatwave as Europe sizzles

The chances of a summer heatwave in the UK already appear to be over, the Met Office believe.

With southern Europe sweltering in almost 50C heat over the next few days, meteorologists don't expect Britain to bake in the weeks ahead.

Temperatures approaching anywhere near what Italy, Spain and Greece are seeing seem highly unlikely here. There is no sign of the Cerberus heatwave arriving - and we may not see the mercury hit the 30s again this year.

After a gusty and storm-spoiled weekend, the rest of July is predicted to be unsettled.

Met Office gives verdict on if UK could see another heatwave as Europe sizzles qhiddeidekihdinvPeople during a rain shower at the Royal International Air Tattoo on Friday (PA)

August looks like starting in the same vein with extended periods of showery weather or more prolonged rain as low-pressure systems continue to move near the UK.

Met Office says UK will be battered by monster rain storm with 4 inches fallingMet Office says UK will be battered by monster rain storm with 4 inches falling

High pressure is likely to build at times next month, but not enough for a heatwave to be declared, forecasters say. Temperatures will heat up slightly but still could be lower than the average expected at that time of the year.

Met Office spokesman Grahame Madge said: "There is no forecast signal for temperatures to reach last year’s threshold this year. The chance of reaching 40C is around one per cent, so it is unlikely in any given year, but of course, it remains feasible.

Met Office gives verdict on if UK could see another heatwave as Europe sizzlesA woman cools off with a mini fan in Rome as temperatures reach record-breaking levels (AFP via Getty Images)

"The fact that the UK’s atmosphere is capable of producing 40C is now locked in so it is likely that in years to come we will see a repeat, especially as the background climate continues to warm."

The Met Office's Rachel Ayers said there is a "below average" chance of it being warm or hot.

Sizzling temperatures are set to hit 49C in the coming days as Europe continues to battle against the deadly and devastating heatwave.

As wildfires rip through Spain and Croatia sparking mass evacuations, British tourists taking their holidays across southern Europe have been warned of a "significant" risk to life.

Many have started to change their plans or cancel trips as the unbearable heat rages.

According to the Met Office, the heatwave could go on for another week - then added that it will probably longer in some areas. But for Spain, there is potentially good news ahead.

Cooler weather is on the way from Wednesday but not for everyone. "On Wednesday, we expect temperatures to fall overall with the arrival of cool winds from the north and east," Ruben del Campo, a meteorologist from Spain's national weather agency, explained.

"But that is with the exception of the southeast and southern Andalusia, where hot winds blowing from the interior will cause temperatures to soar."

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