Last week saw several June temperature records shattered as a historic heatwave swept across large parts of the UK. A new June temperature record was set on 26 June when Santon Downham, Suffolk, recorded 37.3C, exceeding the 37.1C measured in Cavendish earlier the same day. Although temperatures have since fallen back to near-seasonal norms, the relief is expected to be temporary.
However, the upcoming heatwave is not expected to be as extreme with humidity levels expected to remain low.
Aidan McGivern, Met Office meteorologist, said: “It’s not going to be as hot or as humid so not quite as uncomfortable, and not quite as impactful. It also will not affect the whole of the UK.”
He added: “A westerly airflow over the top of that high brings frontal systems into Scotland, and those fronts will ebb and flow. They will bring a lot of cloud, a strong breeze and outbreaks of heavy and persistent rain.”
On Saturday the south and southeast will see highs of 27C. On Sunday the mercury will rise to 29C in the south, east Anglia will see the mercury reach 27C.
However, the heatwave will not hit the north of England with temperatures expected to be around the 18C mark. The Scottish Highlands will only see the mercury hit 14C.
Monday will be another hot day with temperatures predicted to hit 31C in London, Chelmsford, Rochester and Guildford.
The significant contrasts from place to place is due to an “emerging area of high pressure extending over the Azores sitting close to the south and southwest over the weekend,” the Met Office meteorologist said.
Other areas across eastern and southern England will bask in 30C highs.