UK weather: Temperatures to hit 28C as Britain braces for heatwave

Hottest day of the year so far likely to be recorded this week

Britons can expect to see temperatures of up to 28C on Tuesday as the nation braces for a heatwave and the warmest day of the year so far.

It will be sunny for the vast majority of the UK, with some rain in Northern Ireland and western Scotland.

Highs of 28C are expected in the southeast of England while the mercury will hit 25C in Cardiff and 23C in Liverpool.

Temperatures will climb into the 30s as the week progresses, with forecasters predicting the hottest day of the year could be recorded several times over by the end of the week.

However, the record for the hottest June day ever looks set to remain in tact, as temperatures will not quite reach the 35.6C seen in 1976.

Met Office forecaster Luke Miall said: “We’ve got high pressure to the southeast of the UK over the next few days which is going to be drawing our air up from the continent”, and the warmer climates of France and Spain.

Tuesday’s top temperature is expected to be around 28C in the southeast of England, with other areas quite widely getting into the mid 20s, the forecaster said.

The hottest day of the year so far was 28.9 degrees reached last month, and Mr Miall said: “It’s likely tomorrow will beat that in the South, do it again on Wednesday and then again on Thursday.

“Thursday will probably be the hottest day in the region of 33 or 34 degrees”, but he added “that’s not quite the June record from 1976”.

“Although it’s fairly uncommon to get 34 in June at the moment, it doesn’t look like we’re going to break any of the records.”

Things will start to cool off for the weekend, and the meteorologist explained: “By Saturday most places will be seeing the fresher air coming across for the weekend, so although it might still be humid at times I think generally temperatures will be falling below heatwave.”

With the dry and sunny weather expected and the government’s Covid-19 alert level lowered to three, emergency services across the country are urging people to continue to respect the two-metre social-distancing restriction.

The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) has also warned against starting campfires which can easily get out of control, and to call 999 immediately if you spot a fire.

The NFCC said: “The weather is forecast to improve and, although we’ve had our fair share of rain recently, the risk of wildfires remains.

“These fires are often preventable, so if you are enjoying the countryside please be wildfire-aware and look out for our advice.”

People with elderly relatives should also make sure they are finding a way to keep cool during the lockdown, Age UK has warned.

The charity’s director, Caroline Abrahams, said older people are more susceptible to heat-related illness.

“Lockdown and shielding bring added complications as it can be harder to spot someone who may be getting into difficulties and in need of extra help,” she said.

“There are so many different ways to get in touch during the pandemic, whether it’s a note through the door, picking up the phone, or, for those online, messaging via social media or chatting by video message like Face Time or Skype.

“The important thing is keeping in touch and to make sure older people are okay.”

Additional reporting by Press Association