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The UK has been experiencing an exceptional heatwave marked by prolonged periods of sunshine and sustained high temperatures exceeding 30°C (86°F). Over the course of less than two weeks, some regions, particularly in southern and south-west England, have recorded nearly double the usual amount of sunshine for July. This intense warmth has affected the entire UK, stretching from the southern parts of England all the way to Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland.
Persistent high pressure systems over the UK are responsible for these remarkable weather conditions, causing air to sink and limiting cloud formation. For example, locations such as Yeovilton in Somerset and Odiham in Hampshire have both recorded around 152 hours of sunshine during the first 13 days of July. Despite occasional morning cloud cover, particularly close to the North Sea coasts, the strong summer sunshine typically burns these clouds away inland. Alongside the sunshine, the month has also been exceptionally dry. In several areas of England, rainfall has been completely absent, including Wisley in Surrey, which has gone 27 consecutive days without rain. Similar dry conditions have been reported across Wales and Northern Ireland, contributing to the implementation of hosepipe bans for over eight million households in England and raising concerns about wildfire risks.
The height of this heatwave occurred on 9 and 10 July, when temperatures peaked at 35°C in several locations. Although daily highs have slightly decreased since then, many places have continued to experience temperatures of 30°C or more for a record ten consecutive days. Areas in London such as Teddington, Richmond upon Thames, Kew Gardens, and Heathrow have consistently recorded these elevated temperatures. A strong east to north-easterly wind in recent days shifted the warmest conditions westward, but as this wind abates, hotter temperatures are expected to spread more broadly across the country, including northern England, Scotland, and Northern Ireland. Forecasters anticipate that the heatwave thresholds will be met again in these northern regions in the coming days.
Looking ahead to the weekend, temperatures are forecast to decline slightly as northerly winds bring cooler air. Rather than reaching 30°C, maximum daytime temperatures will likely range between 22°C in Scotland and Northern Ireland and up to 28°C in southern England. Despite this brief cool down, the respite is expected to be short-lived. High pressure is projected to rebuild over the UK next week, leading to a return of dry, warm weather with abundant sunshine and rising temperatures once more
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