The peak of the warmth is expected on Tuesday and Wednesday, where temperatures could reach 34°C before a slow decline for the rest of the week.

Although there will be lots of sunshine on offer, there is the potential for some heavy and thundery showers, especially in the north.

Today (Tuesday) will be hot across much of England and Wales, with temperatures reaching the low to mid 30s°C in central and southern areas, with a peak of around 34°C most likely in the West Midlands or east Wales. Other parts of the UK will also be warm, though coastal regions remain relatively cooler due to sea breezes. 

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued Amber and Yellow Heat Health Alerts. These specifically apply to the health and social care sectors in England. 

With temperatures on the rise, there’s a chance of some thundery rain at times, as Met Office Chief Meteorologist Dan Suri explains: “Wednesday brings a more complex picture, with high temperatures but also the chance of thunderstorms arriving in the evening.  

“During Wednesday daytime, temperatures could peak at 34°C, with the heat shifting eastwards into east England, while parts of Scotland could also see temperatures above 30°C. By the evening, there is an increased risk of thunderstorms across northern areas, with the potential for some fairly wet weather. Whilst the exact location for these unsettled conditions remains uncertain, it’s possible a warning may be issued closer to the time.”

Thursday will be another widely warm and dry day, with sunny spells for most. A few showers may develop in the north, which could be heavy and thundery at times, becoming confined to northern Scotland later on. Northern Ireland and the west may also see some showers. Temperatures will likely reach 29-30°C, especially in the far east of England, and staying closer to average in the west.

A north/south split is likely on Friday, with cloudier conditions and some patchy rain or drizzle in parts of the north, but plenty of fine and sunny weather in the south. Temperatures in that sunshine are likely to peak at 30°C. There is the possibility of a few showers or thunderstorms in the southwest later on Friday and into the weekend.

The weekend weather outlook

The weekend looks largely settled, with plenty of dry and sunny weather expected across the UK. Temperatures look to be near average in the north and east, but warm or very warm elsewhere, potentially peaking into the high 20s to low 30s°C in the southwest, where there will also be the possibility of some showers or thunderstorms at times.

Staying safe in warm temperatures

With temperatures set to remain high across much of the UK this week, UV and pollen levels will also be high. You can access the Met Office pollen forecast here and read more about how to take care of yourself in the heat here.

Emma Rubach, Head of Health Advice at Asthma + Lung UK, said: “Hot and humid air causes chest tightness, coughing and wheezing, making it harder for people to breathe. We know the heat is a trigger for some people with lung conditions like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and can lead to life-threatening asthma attacks and COPD flare-ups. 

"Pollen and air pollution are also major triggers which can exacerbate breathing difficulties further, leading to peaks in emergency admissions. This is why we’d advise people with lung conditions to check pollen and air pollution forecasts during hot weather. If hot weather makes their symptoms worse, they should stay inside during the hottest part of the day (11am-3pm) and continue to take their preventer inhalers and other daily medication as prescribed. They should also keep their reliever inhalers with them and make an urgent appointment with their GP if their symptoms don’t improve.”

Read here for more information on hot weather and your lungs.

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