UK weather: Heatwave could bring highest temperature of the year this week
This week's heatwave will bring widespread sunny weather, potentially beating 2023's current high of 32.2C, seen back in June.
Wednesday 6 September 2023 16:49, UK
The warmest weather of the year is on the cards for this weekend as a heatwave is set to bring temperatures of more than 30C.
The mercury is likely to hit highs of 33C (91.4F) in London this Saturday - making it the hottest day of the year - the Met Office said.
The highest temperature of the year so far - 32.2C (90F) - was recorded on 10 and 25 June.
Although autumn technically began on 1 September, it will feel more like summer in much of the UK over the next few days, just as many schools return.
Today was the hottest September day since 2016, with a high of 32C being recorded in Kew Gardens, London, the Met Office said.
Temperatures will rise further as the week continues and are likely to exceed those recorded back in June.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health warning for the majority of England until 9pm on Sunday.
High pressure is expected to bring widespread warm weather, especially in the south, where temperatures could reach 32C on Saturday.
Northern areas will also "see temperatures widely in the mid to high twenties", said Paste BN weather producer Joanna Robinson.
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The weather will be warm enough in some places to class as a heatwave, the definition of which varies by region.
Last year the Met Office redefined heatwaves for parts of England as the climate warms.
The news will cheer those wishing to make one last trip to the beach or squeeze in a final barbecue after a soggy summer.
However, the heat will likely take its toll on the elderly, and those with pre-existing respiratory or heart problems.
Paste BN's Joanna Robinson added: "Differences in the flow will bring some day-to-day changes on where the highest temperatures will be, but the peak is likely on Wednesday or Thursday.
"There'll be some warm nights too, especially on Wednesday, when the odd place may experience a tropical night - when temperatures don't fall below 20C.
"Later in the week, there'll be an increasing risk of showers and thunderstorms, but most places will stay fine until next weekend."
Temperatures in the UK haven't topped 30C since 7 July, when Chertsey hit 30.2C.
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Despite an unsettled July and August, this season was still one of the UK's ten warmest summers on record, according to provisional Met Office figures.
That's due to an exceptionally warm June, when widespread high pressure brought many dry days of warm summer sunshine.