A prolonged spell of exceptional heat and humidity will dominate the UK’s weather through midweek, with temperatures peaking before a gradual change later in the week.
Tuesday evening will remain very warm and largely dry for most, with clear skies and light winds. Temperatures will fall only slowly overnight, with many areas holding into the high teens or low 20s, making for an uncomfortable and humid night for sleeping.
The combination of high humidity and limited overnight cooling will add to the overall impact of the heat, particularly in urban areas where buildings retain warmth. This will set the tone for a prolonged period of heat stress through midweek.
Wednesday: peak of the heat
Wednesday will bring the peak of the heat for many, with widespread strong sunshine and largely clear skies. Only the far north of Scotland is likely to see more cloud and a few showers.
Temperatures will rise quickly through the morning, reaching widely into the mid to high 30s across England and Wales. Some locations could see temperatures close to 39°C, with a wider range of high 30s expected inland.
Further north, Scotland and Northern Ireland will also experience very warm conditions, with temperatures into the mid to high 20s and locally higher.
High humidity levels will make conditions feel particularly oppressive, with dew point temperatures in the high teens or low 20s, significantly increasing heat stress compared with previous hot spells.
READ MORE: Heat alerts explained as Europe faces extreme temperatures
A red extreme heat warning is in place for parts of England and Wales, reflecting not only the high daytime temperatures but also the duration, extent and intensity of the heat.
Thursday: continued intense heat with increasing risk of storms
Another very hot day is expected on Thursday, with temperatures again widely reaching the high 30s in England and Wales. Some areas may remain close to record-breaking levels, particularly in central and eastern regions, with 38°C forecast.
Across Scotland, especially in the north, conditions will be cooler and more unsettled, with increased cloud and outbreaks of rain developing.
Elsewhere, while many areas will stay dry and sunny, there is an increasing chance of isolated thunderstorms breaking out. Where these develop, they could bring torrential downpours, gusty winds and frequent lightning, although they will remain localised.
Friday: gradual easing from the west
By Friday, a gradual change in conditions will begin to move in from the west. Cloud will increase and there will be a greater chance of showers or thunderstorms, particularly across western areas.
Temperatures will start to ease for some, though it will still feel very hot in many places. Highs are expected to reach the mid-20s widely, with 38°C still possible in eastern parts of England where the hottest air lingers longest.
READ MORE: Met Office tips for keeping cool in hot weather
Weekend: fresher with some showers
Into the weekend, conditions will become more changeable as lower pressure moves in from the west. This will bring more cloud and a mix of showers or longer spells of rain to northern and western areas.
Temperatures will eventually fall back closer to average levels for much of the UK, although it is still likely to remain warm, especially in the south and east where drier conditions are more likely to persist.
Overall, after several days of exceptional and potentially record-breaking heat, the weekend will feel noticeably more comfortable for many, albeit with an increased risk of showers and thunderstorms in places.
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