UK records hottest day of the year, heat wave set to last into this weekend

By Eric Leister, AccuWeather senior meteorologist

June 25, 2018, 11:39:39 AM EDT

A heat wave will affect millions across the United Kingdom this week as temperatures soar well above normal into this weekend.

While above-normal warmth has prevailed across the entire UK so far in June, the most intense and prolonged heat of the month will occur this week.

Monday became the hottest day of the year so far as the temperature reached 29.4 degrees Celsius (84.9 degrees Fahrenheit) in St. James Park, London.

This mark will be in jeopardy to fall again this week as temperatures continue to trend higher across the country.

The official criteria of a heat wave, which is defined as five consecutive days with the daily maximum temperature exceeding the average high by 5 C (9 F), will occur in many locations across the country this week.

High temperatures across Greater London are forecast to reach or surpass 27 C (80 F) each day into Saturday. A typical high in the city during the final days of June is 21 C (69 F).

Temperatures across the rest of England, as well as Wales and northward through Scotland, are likely to soar up to between 3-7 C (6-12 F) above average for late June.

“Some of the highest temperatures will occur in the Midlands, including Manchester,” said AccuWeather Meteorologist Tyler Roys.

“While it will be quite warm, temperatures over 30 C (86 F) will be very localized in nature,” added Roys.

Factoring in plenty of sunny spells, light wind and an increase in humidity levels, AccuWeather RealFeel® Temperatures will be several degrees above the actual temperature.

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Regardless of whether or not the upcoming pattern will meet the official criteria of a heat wave in your area, people will need to take precautions to avoid straining themselves in the heat.

Due to this being a long-duration heat event, there will be an elevated risk for heat-related illnesses, especially for the youth and elderly.

Anyone going outside to enjoy the warm, dry and sunny weather will need to wear plenty of sun cream and light-colored, loose-fitted clothing. People should also drink plenty of water in order to stay hydrated.

People looking to avoid the heat will want to travel east this week. “The coolest locations this week will be across the eastern coasts of the UK as a cooling wind from the North Sea limits the heat,” said Roys.

A slow-moving storm system will bring the risk for showers and thunderstorms from Sunday into early next week. This will knock back the heat; however, temperatures are expected to remain near to above normal during the first week of July.