The heat is on . .. until October!
Indian summer could see us sweltering for weeks to come say forecasters
IF you’re growing weary of the scorching weather, there’s bad news.
The unusually high heat is set to continue until the end of August – and seems likely to carry on well into October.
Forecasters say this week will be particularly hot, with parts of England reaching 31C (88F) as high pressure continues to move over Britain. Meanwhile the North could see temperatures in the high 20Cs (around 82F).
It comes after Britons on holiday in southern Europe endured near-record breaking heat over the weekend. The mercury reached 46.8C (116F) at Alvega in central Portugal, while the capital Lisbon sizzled in 44C (111F).
Emergency services in the country also issued a red alert and urged people to avoid picnics and outdoor activities. The hot, dry conditions have led to several wildfires and last night 700 firefighters were continuing to battle the biggest outbreak near Monchique in the Algarve region.
It was slightly cooler in the UK yesterday, as temperatures peaked at 28C (82F). A Met Office forecaster predicted that we will bask in hot, dry conditions all week – with the South-East looking likely to simmer in above-average temperatures throughout August.
Meteorologist Deane Hall said: ‘The South-East will have above-average and dry temperatures until the end of the month.
‘The hot and warm temperatures in August are set to continue. We may see occasional breaks but it looks like throughout next week and the following week we’ll get some high pressure again and temperatures will remain at the high 20s.’
The Met Office also predicted that the warmer weather is set to last well into autumn.
Its three-month forecast, which is briefed to local authorities and transport organisations, said: ‘For August- October, above-average temperatures are more likely than below-average.
‘The probability the UK average temperature will fall into the warmest of our five categories is around 55 per cent. The coldest of our five categories is less than 5 per cent.’
Temperatures in the South are expected to peak again today with lots of sunshine and highs of 31C – with scope for 32C in some regions such as East Anglia. But Kent and Sussex may be hit by the occasional thunderstorm at night.
Highs of 28C are predicted in Northern England – but there may be the odd blip in the sunshine as scattered showers move over Cumbria.
Tomorrow will be similarly hot in the South with the temperature steadily rising in the afternoon. However, patchy rain is expected to move over Northern areas and the Midlands, hitting cities including Glasgow, Birmingham and Newcastle. It is expected to dry out with clearer sunny spells settling in by the afternoon.
A mixture of sunshine and rain will sweep over the country on Wednesday – with temperatures cooling to something more comfortable across most areas. The blistering heat has already spoiled the fun for one Norfolk town, which scrapped its traditional carnival fireworks and torchlight display amid fears of sparking a blaze in the tinder-dry countryside.
Hundreds of people usually turn out for the event in Sheringham – which takes place on the local golf course – however organisers said they had taken advice from the fire brigade. The committee said it was a ‘momentous decision’ to cancel the plans.
It comes as the Home Office is being urged to ban lighted party lanterns to prevent devastating moorland blazes.
‘High pressure next week’
s.quadri@dailymail.co.uk