Will there be a July 2022 heatwave? UK Met Office weather forecast explained - as level 2 heat-alert issued

Sweltering hot weather is forecast for the UK this month, with temperatures tipped to hit 35C by mid-July.

Low pressure over the country has seen below-average temperatures in recent weeks, but warmer weather has now arrived with 28C highs forecast for parts of the UK today - and hot temperautres are set to last for a week.

Will there be a July heatwave?

The UK is set to be hotter than Los Angeles, Marbella and Santorini today (8 July), with 28C temperatures expected by the afternoon, kicking off a run of sunny days.

London, the South East and Eastern England will see highs of 28C and 26C, while temperatures will be slightly cooler in the South West, the Midlands, and North West at 25C.

Next week will see fine, dry and very warm weather for most regions, particularly across central and southern areas, with temperatures tipped to hit 35C in these parts.

Cloudier and cooler is expected in the North West, with rain possible at times, while Wales will see slightly milder temperatures at 24C.

For the latter half of July, the outlook still looks promising. The Met Office explains: “The south is likely to see more settled conditions, while any unsettled weather will be confined mostly to the north, although may occasionally extend to the rest of the UK through the middle of July.

“The further we move through the period, the greater the chance of settled, dry and fine weather becoming more widespread.

“Temperatures are likely to trend near or above-average initially and may become widely warm towards the end of the month, especially across the south.”

Has a health alert been issued?

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a level 2 heat-health alert warning ahead of the heatwave, as the Met Office forecasts the hot weather to last throughout next week.

The alert is in place from 9am on Monday 11 July until Friday 15 July, and covers the East of England, South East and London regions.

A level 2 alert is triggered as soon as there is a 60% risk that temperature thresholds will be reached in one or more regions on at least two consecutive days and the night in between.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but also to check in on their vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are prepared for the warm conditions ahead.

High temperatures are predicted for a prolonged period, so make sure to follow our simple health advice to beat the heat, such as covering windows exposed to direct sunlight and making sure that fridges, freezers and fans are working properly.”

What is the UK forecast for next week?

The Met Office has issued the following forecast for the UK for the coming week:

Saturday

Fine, dry and bright with plenty of warm sunshine for most areas. Cloudier with patchy rain for some northern and western parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland later though.

Sunday to Tuesday

Fine, dry and very warm with plenty of sunshine for most regions. Becoming hot across central and southern areas. Cloudier and cooler in the northwest with rain possible at times.

Tuesday to Thursday

Fine and dry conditions with plenty of sunshine across southern parts of the UK next week and into the following weekend.

The north is likely to become cloudier with a chance of rain, especially in the northwest, where it may be cooler with fresh winds. Temperatures mostly near normal here but feeling warm or very warm in the north east.

Progressing further into July, northern parts of the UK are likely to remain rather unsettled. These conditions perhaps becoming more widespread towards the end of the period and bringing cooler air further south.

Dry weather is likely to continue for the far south and southwest, though some showers remain possible at times.

Will there be a water shortage? 

The Environment Agency has warned of possible water shortages agead of the blistering weather.

A spokesman said: “People should use water wisely and follow advice from their suppliers. Further hot, dry weather could put pressure on some areas.

“We will continue to take action where necessary. River flows and reservoir levels have receded across central and south western England.”