Brief relief ahead of fifth heatwave - as more areas could move into drought

Much of the region will feel a brief respite from the heat early in the week before temperatures climb again. On Monday, air conditions will be slightly fresher than over the weekend, with maximum readings in the bluish parts of the UK ranging from 18 °C to 24 °C. Further south, although cooler than Sunday, the day will remain quite lukewarm, with temperatures sitting between 22 °C and 27 °C. By Tuesday, warmer air is expected to move back across the United Kingdom, pushing the highest temperatures into central southern England, the Midlands and eastern Wales. Yellow heat‑health alerts will stay in force for much of England until 21:00 BST on Tuesday, although they are likely to be extended or upgraded as the heatwave approaches. Forecasts indicate highs of around 27 °C to 30 °C. On Wednesday, temperatures across England and Wales are projected to rise into the high twenties and low thirties. The peak of the heat is anticipated on Thursday, when southeast England could see readings reach 36 °C (97 °F) and central and eastern England may climb to as high as 35 °C. If those values are attained, it would mark the fourth consecutive period in which the UK has recorded 35 °C or above, setting a new record. Many localities are expected to surpass their heatwave threshold of 25 °C to 28 °C – depending on the exact location – for the first time this episode. Some of the warmth will also drift northward into northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, bringing temperatures into the low to mid‑20s °C. As the heat builds through the week, overnight temperatures will remain relatively elevated, making for uncomfortable sleeping conditions. Minimum values may not dip below 16 °C to 18 °C across England and Wales. There is additionally a possibility of a “tropical night” – defined as temperatures staying above 20 °C throughout the night – particularly in southeast England. For more details on the evolving conditions, see the BBC weather video: https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/videos/cm23mvn02j8o