Met Office responds to reports of 27C ‘mini heatwave’ this month
There have been reports of 27C temperatures in the UK in the middle of this month.
The UK has endured a weekend washout on the first Saturday of July, with more rain and thunderstorms expected as the summer weather continues to disappoint.
After a bright end to June with temperatures hitting above 30C, the mercury has cooled to around 20C this week.
Wednesday, 26 June was the hottest day of the year so far, with a temperature of 30.3C recorded at Heathrow Airport.
However, the weekend forecast remains unsettled and cool, with showers expected in almost all areas – some of which could be heavy and accompanied by thunderstorms.
Temperatures are likely to remain below average for this time of year, with the possibility of reaching 19C in some areas during sunny spells.
The Met Office has, however, played down reports of a mini heatwave hitting the UK later this month bringing temperatures of 27C.
According to a report in the Daily Express, citing data from independent forecaster Netweather, a spell of hot weather is on its way in the middle of July. It predicted temperatures could reach 27C in London and the south east of England around 14 and 15 July.
However, when asked about the report, a spokesman for the Met Office told Yahoo News UK: "It is too far ahead to give a specific temperature for those dates."
Read more: Met Office records hottest day of year with high of 30.3C at Heathrow (PA Media)
Temperatures will be below the July average for many of us today and it'll feel colder in the breeze 💨 pic.twitter.com/viUMRcSe7Y
— Met Office (@metoffice) July 6, 2024
Last Monday, the Met Office said the UK saw less rainfall than expected in June but the average temperature across the month was below 13C.
It said 55.1mm of rain fell across the country last month, 29% less than the long-term average, while Wales and England saw around half of their expected average amounts.
But this did not seem to translate into more generally warmer weather as the average UK mean temperature for June was 12.9C, which was 0.4C below the long-term meteorological average.
The lower June temperatures are in stark contrast to those seen the month prior, where an average temperature of 13.1C saw the warmest May in records dating back to 1884.
Yahoo breaks down what the weather will be like for each region of the UK.
London and the South East
Saturday and Sunday
Changeable and breezy, with the south rather showery while northern parts see some rain. Bright, breezy and more generally showery conditions following later, the showers perhaps thundery for a time before easing. Below-average maxima, but feeling pleasant in sunny spells. Maximum temperature 20C.
Mainly fine initially on Sunday, however showers will become more widespread, with these locally heavy and thundery. Some decent sunny spells too. Rather cool, but with lighter winds than Saturday. Maximum temperature 20C.
Monday to Wednesday
On the cloudy side Monday, ahead of a swathe of rain pushing northeast later and into Tuesday, perhaps brightening later but with further pulses Wednesday. Rather cool and periodically breezy.
South West
Saturday and Sunday
Plenty of dry weather around to start the weekend, though the chance of an odd shower on the cards. A breezy day but feeling pleasant in sheltered sunnier spots. Maximum temperature 19C.
Sunday sees further scattered showers developing, some again heavy and potentially thundery. A decent number of sunny spells in between, but temperatures slightly below average for July. Maximum temperature 18C.
Monday to Wednesday
Unsettled start to next week with spells of rain and showers, occasionally heavy and persistent on Monday. Drier by Wednesday afternoon. Breezy and rather cool.
Midlands
Saturday and Sunday
Changeable and breezy, with a period of rain for many punctuated by some heavier and more showery bursts. Bright, breezy and more generally showery conditions following later, the showers perhaps thundery for a time before easing. Below-average maxima. Maximum temperature 19C.
Mainly fine initially on Sunday, however showers will soon become heavier and more widespread, perhaps turning thundery before fading later. Rather cool, but pleasant in sunny spells, with lighter winds than Saturday. Maximum temperature 19C.
Monday to Wednesday
Further sunshine and showers on Monday ahead of a swathe of rain pushing northwards on Tuesday, with this probably continuing on Wednesday. Rather cool and periodically breezy.
North East
Saturday and Sunday
A changeable day, with some sunny spells but also scattered showers. These showers becoming heavy for a time and perhaps thundery in places, possibly merging to longer spells of rain later. Below-average maxima, but feeling pleasant in sunny spells. Breezy. Maximum temperature 19C.
Mainly fine initially on Sunday, however showers will soon become heavier and more widespread, perhaps turning thundery before fading later. Rather cool, but pleasant in sunny spells, with lighter winds than Saturday. Maximum temperature 18C.
Monday to Wednesday
Further sunshine and showers on Monday ahead of a swathe of rain pushing northwards on Tuesday, with this probably continuing on Wednesday. Rather cool and periodically breezy.
Rain clearing in the east, to leave occasional sunny spells and scattered showers 🌦️
Showers could be heavy and thundery at times ⛈️
Generally feeling rather cool in the wind, but pleasant in any sheltered sunshine 🌤️ pic.twitter.com/rNuNgkRFBn— Met Office (@metoffice) July 6, 2024
North West
Saturday and Sunday
A mixed start to the weekend with sunny spells interspersed with blustery showers, some turning heavy and possibly thundery in the south. Rather cool for the time of year, though feeling reasonable in moments of sunshine. Maximum temperature 16C.
Sunday sees further scattered showers developing, some again heavy and potentially thundery. A decent number of sunny spells in between, but temperatures slightly below average for July. Maximum temperature 17C.
Monday to Wednesday
After an initially fine start on Monday, likely turning increasingly cloudy with spells of rain arriving later in the day. Remaining unsettled on Tuesday and Wednesday. Breezy and rather cool.
Scotland
Saturday and Sunday
A mostly cloudy day with scattered shwoers, perhaps some longer spells of rain across Angus this morning. Some brighter spells across the Central Belt and Trossachs. Cool. Maximum temperature 15C.
Mainly dry with some bright or sunny spells on Sunday, feeling somewhat warmer. Chance of a few showers in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 18C.
Monday to Wednesday
Sunny spells on Monday with a few showers developing by afternoon. Rain spreading north later on Tuesday, clearing away during Wednesday.
Northern Ireland
Saturday and Sunday
Some bright or sunny intervals but clouding over at times this afternoon. Showers developing through the morning, becoming widespread and occasionally heavy for a time in the afternoon. Maximum temperature 17C
After a bright start on Sunday it will become cloudy with scattered showers developing by the afternoon. Maximum temperature 18C.
Monday to Wednesday
Sunny spells and a few showers on Monday. Rain will spread north on Tuesday, clearing away on Wednesday.
Wales
Saturday and Sunday
A mixed start to the weekend with early rain clearing to sunny spells interspersed with blustery showers, some heavy and possibly thundery. Feeling cool with below-average temperatures for July. Maximum temperature 17C.
Sunday sees further scattered showers developing, some again heavy and potentially thundery. A decent number of sunny spells in between, but temperatures slightly below average for July. Maximum temperature 17C.
Monday to Wednesday
An initially fine start on Monday, then increasingly cloudy with spells of rain arriving in the afternoon. Remaining unsettled on Tuesday before rain clears on Wednesday. Breezy and rather cool.
