UK weather: Third heatwave of the year begins but how different will it be?

The third heatwave of the year has started across parts of the United Kingdom with temperatures expected to rise up to 34C for some by the middle of the week.

This heatwave is not likely to be as extreme as the one in late-June where we saw the temperature peak at 37.7C, however, it is going to last longer.

Yellow heat-health alerts from the UK’s Health Security Agency, have been issued across the Midlands and southern England until 20:00 GMT on 11 July.

The UKHSA suggests minor impacts are expected across health and social care services with a greater risk to life for vulnerable people.

Northern areas of the UK will turn warmer but cloud and rain is likely to continue, particularly in western Scotland.

Temperatures across the Midlands, East Anglia and south-east England could rise to 31C on Monday afternoon.

With temperatures above 28C expected, the official heatwave criteria will be met widely in these locations over the next few days.

The heatwave will then intensify from mid-week with temperatures across England and east Wales getting into the high-20s and low-30s.

But, it is in London and south-east England where the temperature may peak at around 34C on Wednesday and Thursday.

Although it’s unlikely the temperature will reach the 37.7C recorded at the end of June, some weather forecasting models are suggesting there is a chance we could see temperatures in the mid to high-30s this week.

The UK all-time temperature record of 40.3C was set in July 2022 at Coningsby, Lincolnshire.