Anticipated Heatwave to Bring Temperatures Above 30C Across the UK

Temperatures are expected to soar to 30C (86F) in parts of the UK on Thursday, marking the beginning of what could be the first heatwave of 2025. As the week progresses, the heat is predicted to intensify, with nights also becoming warmer starting from Thursday, with temperatures in the high teens in many areas.

Peak temperatures will vary across different regions on different days, with some of the highest temperatures expected in the south and east, the Midlands, and South West England on Thursday. By Friday, the north and west regions will also experience high temperatures, with areas like Aviemore, Strabane, and Aberystwyth likely to reach 28C or higher.

On Friday, Northern Ireland, western Scotland, and west Wales are expected to see temperatures peaking at 24 to 28C. Saturday will bring the peak for east Wales, eastern Scotland, and much of England, with highs of 28 to 31C anticipated. Some areas in south-east England and East Anglia may even reach 33C. Saturday night could potentially see the first "tropical night" of the year, where overnight temperatures remain above 20C, particularly in parts of south-east England.

The rising temperatures are attributed to a developing area of high pressure, causing winds to shift to a south-easterly direction and bring in hot weather from other parts of Western Europe. Parts of France and Spain are also experiencing close to 40C temperatures, further contributing to the heatwave conditions.

In order for a heatwave to be officially declared by the Met Office, a threshold temperature must be reached for at least three consecutive days. The threshold varies from 25C in the north and west of the UK to 28C in parts of eastern England. Recent weeks have seen temperatures surpassing these thresholds, but not consistently enough to qualify as a heatwave - a trend that is likely to change with the upcoming heatwave.

A recent Met Office study indicated a growing risk of temperatures exceeding 40C in the UK, with a 50:50 chance of this occurring within the next 12 years. This is four years earlier than previously estimated, highlighting the impact of climate change on rising temperatures. Scientists warn that temperatures of 45C or higher may become a reality in the future, driven by human-induced climate change.

The heat is expected to intensify throughout the week, potentially leading to the first heatwave of 2025.