uk heatwave to peak saturday with cooler weather ahead
For some people the hot weather is getting a bit too much now (Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
From impromptu buys online for fans, to seeking out a much-needed shaded spot in a park, Brits are finding ways to escape the heat.
The hot weather is expected to peak on Saturday with temperatures of 34°C, below the June record of 35.6°C in 1976.
The London Fire Brigade has also now had to issue a wildfire warning for the capital, with the brigade urging Londoners to take steps to prevent the risk of wildfires spreading.
Some people need to be careful in this hot weather (Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) is warning that this heat could be dangerous, especially for older people or anyone with existing health issues.
Suffolk is the first place in the UK to enter a heatwave, after temperatures passed 27°C for the third day in a row.
When is the heatwave going to end?
Some people are soaking up the sun and enjoying it (Picture: Jordan Pettitt/PA Wire)
Aidan McGivern, from the Met Office said: ‘We keep the plume of warmth and increasingly humid air across eastern parts of the UK on Saturday night, so another uncomfortable night for sleeping in the east, a little more comfortable in the west.’
With all this heat, a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms has been issued by the Met Office from 3 pm on Saturday until 4 am on Sunday.
It covers parts of the East and West Midlands, North East and North West of England, Wales and Yorkshire.
The forecaster said: ‘The most intense thunderstorms could produce frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds, along with some heavy downpours for a time.’
By Sunday, the warmer system will move northeastwards and bring with it fresher air from the Atlantic.
Aidan added: ‘You can see the temperature contrast as we get into Sunday with that return to average to the west but we keep the warmth in the east and the potential for more sunny skies on Sunday in the mid-20s.
‘That fresher, more mixed Atlantic weather is with us for the start of next week.’
Why is it so hot?
The hot weather is a great excuse to take a paddle in the water (Picture: North News & Pictures Ltd)
The hot weather we have experienced is thanks to a combination of factors, but has primarily been caused by high pressure.
This has led to dry and settled conditions across the country, and light winds have caused the ground to dry up.
Because it is close to the summer solstice this time of year (June 21), the sun’s rays are hitting the country more directly, which has led to increased temperatures.
Where is expected to see the highest temperatures in the UK?
This weekend is expected to be a scorcher (Picture: Owen Humphreys/PA Wire)
The hot weather is expected to peak on Saturday, with temperatures potentially reaching 34°C.
This will impact areas in the UK including the East of England, London and the South East of England.
Areas including the North East and the Midlands will also experience high temperatures in the mid to late-20s.
To escape the heat, you will need to go all the way up to the North West of Scotland, where temperatures will be 18°C.
