It has already been an exceptionally prolonged spell of hot weather for many parts of the UK, and the week ahead will see that theme continue.
While temperatures may not reach the same extremes experienced during the June heatwave, the longevity of the current hot spell remains notable, with temperatures above 30°C already recorded for more than a week in some areas. High pressure will continue to dominate the UK's weather through much of the week, bringing plenty of dry weather and sunshine.
A warm and sunny start
Tuesday begins with areas of low cloud affecting parts of eastern and central England after pushing inland overnight from the North Sea. However, this cloud will gradually break up through the morning, retreating towards North Sea coasts by the afternoon. Most areas will then enjoy long spells of sunshine. Temperatures will once again climb widely into the high 20s, with parts of southern England potentially reaching 31°C. Further north, values are expected to range from the high teens to the mid-20s.
Despite the sunshine, a breeze will persist in many areas, particularly in the south, helping to take the edge off the heat. Even so, UV levels will remain high or very high, while pollen levels are also expected to be very high in some places.
Similar conditions through midweek
Very little change is expected into Wednesday. Early cloud will once again affect some eastern and north-eastern areas before clearing steadily through the morning. Most places will enjoy another largely sunny day, although some high cloud may drift across south-west England at times, producing hazier sunshine.
While there remains a small possibility of a few showers developing in southern areas, perhaps accompanied by thunder, the vast majority of locations are likely to stay dry. Temperatures may ease back by a degree or two compared with Tuesday, but low 30s Celsius remain possible across parts of southern England, south-west England and south Wales. Elsewhere, highs will generally range from the high teens to the mid-20s.
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Thursday follows a similarly settled pattern. Any low cloud in the east will gradually disperse, leaving widespread sunshine for most. A few isolated showers cannot be ruled out, but confidence remains high that the majority of the UK will stay dry. Away from North Sea coasts, conditions will continue to feel very warm or hot.
Temperatures easing later in the week
By Friday, high pressure begins to drift slightly north-westwards, introducing more of a northerly airflow. This subtle change will bring somewhat lower temperatures for many areas. After another cloudy start in parts of the east and north-east, sunshine will become widespread through the afternoon.
Although temperatures are expected to fall back slightly, many places will still reach the mid to high 20s. While 30°C becomes less likely, heatwave conditions may continue in some areas.
Dry weather set to continue
One of the standout features of the forecast is the lack of significant rainfall. Aside from the small chance of isolated showers or thunderstorms, rainfall totals are expected to remain very low across the UK throughout the week. Any showers that do develop are likely to be localised and short-lived, having little impact on overall rainfall totals.
Looking ahead to next weekend, the northerly influence is expected to strengthen slightly, leading to a further small drop in temperatures. Nevertheless, conditions should remain largely dry with plenty of sunshine, extending the spell of settled summer weather into the following week.
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