The Met Office predicts a spell of warmer weather with humid conditions in the UK next week, potentially reaching heatwave thresholds in central and southern England. However, unsettled weather with heavy showers and thunderstorms is expected by midweek. NHS England also reports a surge in visits for hay fever advice due to rising pollen levels associated with the warm conditions.
Heatwaves are forecast to hit parts of the UK next week, according to the Met Office. After a dry Friday with sunny spells and showers in Northern Ireland, Scotland, and western England, a grey and showery start to the weekend is expected on Saturday. Warmer weather with humid conditions is slated to begin next week, with temperatures reaching the mid-20s and potentially hitting heatwave thresholds in central and southern England.
On Monday, temperatures could peak at 27°C in northern England and 28°C in the south and southeast. However, from Wednesday, the weather is expected to turn unsettled with potential heavy showers and thunderstorms.
The Met Office’s chief forecaster, Neil Armstrong, remarked that some areas might meet heatwave criteria, requiring three consecutive days of elevated temperatures. Met Office spokesperson Andrea Bishop added that the recent rise in temperatures is due to the jet stream shifting northward, allowing warmer air to move in.
NHS England reported a significant increase in visits to their website for hay fever advice, more than doubling this week. The hay fever section saw an average of 11,736 daily visits, compared to 4,749 last weekend, likely influenced by the rising pollen levels accompanying the warm and windy conditions.
