Heatwave Set to Scorch UK with 37°C Temperatures as August Sizzles
The UK is bracing for yet another heatwave, and this one looks set to be a real scorcher. A brutal burst of heat is forecast to hit much of the country in early August, pushing temperatures up to a sweltering 37°C in some parts.
Weather models from WXCharts and NetWeather show a sharp spike in mercury levels beginning Saturday, August 9, continuing through to Tuesday, August 12.
Southeastern England appears to be in the firing line, with the East Midlands, particularly Nottingham and Leicester, forecast to bake in the highest heat by August 11.
“Dry and fine weather” will likely dominate the start of the month, according to the Met Office’s long-range outlook. The forecaster adds, “High pressure to the southwest extends across the country”, reinforcing calmer, sunnier spells after weeks of mixed weather.
Maps indicate an early heat build-up with highs of 27°C near Oxford and along the Welsh border on August 9. These figures rise steadily — 34°C on August 10, with the peak 37°C expected a day later.
This marks what could be the fourth official heatwave of the UK summer. For reference, the Met Office defines a heatwave as a period of at least three consecutive days where daily temperatures exceed a set regional threshold.
Northern areas like Scotland won’t hit those blazing highs but are still in for warmer-than-average days. The forecast there shows 23°C, while places like Newcastle and Middlesbrough could climb to 27°C. Meanwhile, Ireland isn’t missing out, either, expecting a solid 25°C on August 10.
In Wales, it’s the southwest that’s set to feel the brunt, especially around Pembrokeshire, where forecasts show highs nudging 34°C.
This wave of hot air is being pushed in from mainland Europe, where countries are already grappling with temperatures around 40°C.
The intense heat has sparked dangerous situations across the region, including a series of deadly wildfires near Turkey’s Bursa, showing how extreme conditions are fuelling weather-related disasters far beyond the UK.
On July 1, the UK experienced one of its previous heat surges, with Faversham, Kent, reaching a temperature of 25.8°C.
Since then, it’s been a mixed bag, thunderstorms, flash floods, and grey skies. But August, traditionally the UK’s second hottest month, might just bring a return to classic British summer weather.
The BBC Weather forecast backs this up. It expects that temperatures will “climb above or even well above average” during the early part of the month. The report hints at drier and calmer periods making a comeback, as low-pressure systems drift northwards.
While Scotland and Northern Ireland may see breezy and unsettled starts to the month, clearer skies are expected to spread widely, with the south and eastern coasts enjoying the best of the summer heat.
So, get the sunscreen out. This heatwave is expected to intensify just as summer reaches its stride.
