Britain's September heatwave

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【Summary】Britons can expect a heatwave this week, with temperatures reaching 29C today and possibly hitting 32C by midweek. The shift of a jet stream and the influence of former tropical cyclone Franklin are contributing to the rise in temperature. Many areas will experience wall-to-wall sunshine, and some may even reach heatwave conditions. The South and East of England are likely to see the highest temperatures, but other parts of the country will also enjoy warm weather.

FutureCar Staff Sep 04, 2023 12:22 AM PT

Britons are in for a heatwave this week, with temperatures expected to reach 29C today and possibly as high as 32C by midweek. After a somewhat gloomy summer, the start of autumn is making up for it with a surge in mercury. The Met Office explains that a shift in the jet stream, which has been causing unsettled weather, is allowing higher pressure to build across the UK. Another factor contributing to the heatwave is the influence of former tropical cyclone Franklin, which is moving into the north Atlantic and amplifying the high pressure.

According to Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Chris Bulmer, fine and settled conditions will develop, leading to a rise in temperatures across most parts of the UK next week. Many places can expect maximum temperatures of 25C or above for several days, potentially reaching heatwave conditions. While the south and east of England are likely to experience the highest temperatures, these areas also have higher temperature thresholds for heatwave conditions. Regardless, many areas will enjoy a period of fine weather with plenty of sunshine, which will be the highest since June or early July for many.

Met Office senior operational meteorologist Amy Bokota predicts that most places will see wall-to-wall sunshine by the middle of the week, a rare occurrence for much of the summer. The start of autumn will feel warmer than expected, especially in London and the South East, where the heatwave threshold could be met. However, some areas may also feel humid and muggy, with overnight temperatures staying above 20C (68F), making for uncomfortable sleeping conditions.

Over the weekend, warm and sunny weather extended across the country, attracting beachgoers from Bournemouth in the South to resorts in the North. Families rounded off the school holidays at Seaburn Beach in Sunderland, while surfers and swimmers took advantage of the balmy temperatures in the North Sea. It seems that Britons are making the most of the unexpected heatwave.