The Met Office has confirmed that the next UK heatwave could begin as early as Sunday, July 5, with weather maps indicating that July might bring the hottest day in the country's history. The forecast raises concerns about further school closures, following a record-breaking heatwave last week that saw the hottest June day on record and forced schools to shut for three days.
Heatwave Timeline and Temperature Predictions
According to the GFS model, used by WX Charts and mirrored by Ventusky and Netweather TV, temperatures could soar to a sweltering 41C by Saturday, July 11. The maps and charts show deep crimson red, edging into burgundy and even black, as a heat dome heatwave returns. The UK is expected to face days of hot weather, with 30C forecast for Sunday, July 5, intensifying through Monday, July 6, and Tuesday, July 7, reaching 35C on Wednesday, July 8. By Friday, July 10, and Saturday, July 11, temperatures are predicted to hit 40C and 41C respectively.
Fears of School Closures
If temperatures edge towards the high-thirties and early-forties, schools may have no choice but to close again, as unions warn that buildings across the country are ill-suited to such sweltering heat. Last week's heatwave prompted widespread school closures due to unsafe conditions for students and staff.
Short-Term Forecast
In the short term, Netweather TV issued a forecast for Tuesday, June 30, cautioning: "For Tuesday, again don't be fooled by the cloud cover. Many people end up burnt, saying 'but it was cloudy'." They noted possible early rain over Kent and East Sussex, but temperatures around 22C, feeling warmer later on Wednesday up to 25C. The forecast added: "By late evening, there could be a few showers heading towards Greater London but only a very low risk that one will catch SW19. More fine dry weather with sunshine for Thursday and Friday as temperatures push upwards to 27C. A fine week but heating up."
