The heat is on finally – but it will only last a few days

SOME parts of the UK will swelter next week as temperatures shoot up in marked contrast to our damp squib of a summer.

Coinciding with the start of a new school term, just for a few days, the mercury may hit 25C as a result of the jet stream moving north to allow the build-up of high pressure over the country, the Met Office said.

“As high pressure becomes established from this weekend, fine and settled conditions will develop,” said Chris Bulmer, Met Office deputy chief meteorologist. “Many places can expect to see maximum temperatures rise to 25C or above for several days, which would bring some locations into the realm of heatwave conditions.

“Although the highest temperatures are likely to be in the south and east of England, these areas also have higher temperature thresholds for heatwave

‘Plenty of sunshine with temperatures likely to be the highest for many since June or early July’

conditions to be declared. So, while some areas may just miss out on the actual definition, regardless of thresholds, many areas will enjoy a fine period of weather with plenty of sunshine and temperatures likely to be the highest for many since June or early July.”

It comes after a washout July and August, with heavy rain dampening domestic holidays and ruining England’s chances at the Ashes.

But despite perceptions, summer 2023 was actually relatively hot, the Met Office said yesterday.

Extreme June heat meant the season was the eighth warmest since 1884, with the average mean UK temperature 15.4C, around 0.8C warmer than average.

But it was a summer of extremes in both directions, with the most rainfall of any of the years in the top 10 hottest, and the sixth wettest July since 1836.