UK weather maps indicate a three-day heatwave is on the horizon, with temperatures potentially soaring to 31C or higher. According to the latest GFS weather model, the mercury will begin to rise around June 17, bringing pleasant highs of 28C to the south-east, 27C in East Anglia, 26C in the north-west and Midlands, and 24C in North Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to be slightly cooler.
Temperatures to Peak on June 19
On June 18, the south-east could see temperatures hit 30C, with 29C possible as far north as Yorkshire. Parts of Northern Ireland might reach 26C, and Wales will be firmly in the mid-to-high 20s. The warmest conditions are forecast for June 19, with the GFS model showing highs of 30C or more across large areas of England, and even 27C in parts of southern Scotland. The south-east is expected to be the hottest region, with a potential 32C. In total, 13 counties could experience 31C or more on June 19, including Yorkshire, Lancashire, Cheshire, Nottinghamshire, Warwickshire, Cambridgeshire, Bedfordshire, Hertfordshire, Essex, Buckinghamshire, Berkshire, Surrey, and Kent.
Official Heatwave Criteria
If the GFS model data proves accurate, it would constitute an official heatwave in some parts of the country. An official heatwave is declared when temperatures exceed the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days. The threshold varies from 25C to 28C across UK counties, with 28C in the south-east and 25C further away. The data shows temperatures peaking at 28C, 30C, and then 32C in the same areas from June 17 to 19, meeting the criteria.
Met Office Forecast for June
The Met Office's latest forecast for June 18 to July 2 indicates that the start of the period will likely be relatively settled, with high pressure bringing drier conditions to most parts of the UK. However, some showers or spells of rain are still possible, and winds will mostly be light with temperatures probably above normal. Towards the end of June, low pressure may have more influence, especially across the south, where heavy showers and thunderstorms become more probable. It may also become hot in parts of the south.
