AFTER days of soaring temperatures and sweltering sunshine, Brits are now asking: when will the hot weather end?
Forecasters say a shift in temperatures is on the way, with conditions set to cool slightly over the next few days – but don’t pack away the suncream just yet.
This weekend was one of the hottest days of the year so far, but when will the heatwave end?[/caption]
Another heatwave is on it’s way next weekend with highs of 35C[/caption]
The next 35C scorcher is already on the horizon – and we’ve got the exact date it’s due to hit.
After a sweltering weekend packed with barbecues, ice creams and paddling pools, Britain’s third heatwave of the year is finally on the way out.
The end of the hot weather may come as a welcome relief to many, after days of blistering sunshine triggered an amber heat health alert across large parts of the UK.
Both the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office issued the warning for six regions from Friday through to Monday, as temperatures soared past 30C.
The amber alert signals a high risk of serious health impacts, particularly for the elderly and those with pre-existing conditions.
It also warned that NHS and care services were likely to come under increased pressure during the sweltering spell.
Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland also saw their hottest day of the year over the weekend.
But now, forecasters say the sizzling spell is set to break, with cooler air moving in and temperatures beginning to drop across much of the UK.
The Met Office predicts highs of just 23C in London and 18C in Newcastle – a noticeable dip after the 33C peak in Ross-on-Wye on Saturday.
While this current hot spell is expected to break in the coming days – despite parts of the UK topping 30C again on Sunday – weather boffins are warning it might be just a brief breather.
The Fourth Heatwave
Forecast models suggest a fourth spell of hot weather could be looming, with blistering temperatures set to return later this month.
GFS weather charts show a warming trend from July 19, with temperatures potentially soaring to 32C in the South East.
Manchester could see highs of 31C, while Birmingham may reach a scorching 32C.
In the capital, London is forecast to hit 34C, and Norfolk looks likely to bear the brunt, with temperatures peaking at a blistering 35C.
By July 20, the mercury is tipped to reach a scorching 35C, with heat maps glowing dark red as almost the entire country swelters under the blazing sun.
The fourth heatwave of the year is expected to last around three days, with forecasters predicting it could wrap up by July 21 – but not before turning the country into a furnace once again.
So, while there’s some cool relief on the way, Brits might want to keep the fans and factor 50 on standby – summer isn’t done with us yet.
How to dress in a heatwave
SUMMER is finally here with temperatures soaring this weekend, but it has been so long since we dressed for the warmer weather – what should we wear?The Sun’s fashion team is here to help with a cut-out-and-keep guide to heatwave attire.
Clemmie Fieldsend and Abby McHale reveal the ultimate dos and don’ts so that you never suffer from unsightly tan lines, sweaty patches or wardrobe malfunctions again.
Cover up
While you might be tempted to put on your skimpiest outfit when the mercury rises above 25C, it has actually been proven that staying covered up can keep you cooler.
We’re not saying wear your winter coat and wrap up. You should wear a light breathable fabric such as cotton – look for flowy midi skirts, dresses or wide leg trousers which will billow and create a nice cool breeze for you as you walk.
Prepare for extremes
With our unpredictable weather, it’s not uncommon to see either someone in hotpants with goose-pimpled legs after an unexpected downpour, or at the other end of the spectrum, someone still wearing their winter tights in 30C heat. When you’re on the fence, opt for a loose co-ord that will keep you cool but not expose you to the elements if it rains.
Wear shorts
Yes, you can wear shorts – and at any age. The key is getting the length just right and longer shorts are all the rage this year. Short shorts are of course allowed but they won’t make you any cooler. If anything, micro-shorts can make you feel hotter. Plus, they are wedgie inducing, often too tight and often show off rather too much bum cheek.
Wear white
White is not the easiest to keep clean but it is the best shade for a heatwave, and looks effortlessly chic. It doesn’t absorb light like black but instead, reflects it. It’s also a shade that never goes out of style. If you do get the odd suncream smear on your whites, quickly dab with hand soap and water, rub in with a brush and then wash as normal.
Don’t show bra straps
Whilst everyone wants to wear strappy clothing in the summer, there really is nothing classy about your bra straps being on show – especially when they’re the opposite colour to your top. Instead, if you are plumping for a strappy top, stick a strapless bra underneath.
Don’t attempt a boob tube
The boob tube has got to be one of the most faffy and unflattering pieces of clothing you can own. Yes, you will avoid shoulder strap tan lines, but you will spend the whole day pulling your top up and trying to keep your boobs in place. Come evening, you will have grubby fingerprints all over and will have no doubt experienced the odd nip slip.
Don’t choose espadrilles
Espadrille wedges were once Kate Middleton’s go-to summer shoe but they have well and truly fallen off the fashion wagon. While noughties ballet flats are back, the espadrille is yet to have its revival. It’s one of those fashion items that Gen Z won’t be seen dead in, and have even dubbed ‘the granny sandal’. For now, opt for a ballet flat or a sandal.
Don’t wear crochet
The crochet trend is nice enough and while it looks great on the likes of Love Island presenter Maya Jama, it’s simply not practical. If the sun is out, chances are, you’ll end up with tragic tan lines like a mosaic. Plus, it’s essentially knitwear – hot and itchy. For men, knitted polos have also crept into the fashion fold, masquerading as summer wear but they are made from synthetic materials and induce swear. Wear at your own risk.
Climate Change Warning
Experts say climate change is turning up the heat – quite literally – with extreme weather events like heatwaves becoming more frequent and intense.
A Met Office scientific study into the scorching Summer 2018 heatwave found that the chances of the UK experiencing a summer as hot – or hotter – than 2018 are now just over 1 in 10, and rising.
The UK smashed its all-time temperature record on July 19, 2022, when Coningsby in Lincolnshire hit a blistering 40.3C – the first time Britain had ever broken the 40-degree barrier.
That same week saw new national records set for Scotland on July 19 and Wales on July 18, underlining the growing climate crisis facing the UK.
UK summers as a whole are getting longer, hotter, and more intense.
Experts say we’re seeing more frequent heatwaves, with higher peak temperatures and longer dry spells becoming the norm.
According to the Met Office, the average summer temperature in the UK has risen by more than 1°C since the 1960s, and the number of extremely hot days is climbing every decade.
What used to be rare, once-in-a-decade scorchers are now regular occurrences, and scientists warn this trend will only accelerate unless global emissions are curbed.
How to keep cool in a heatwave
Most of us welcome hot weather, but when it’s too hot, there are health risks. Here are three ways to keep cool according to the NHS…
Keep out of the heat if you can.
If you have to go outside, stay in the shade especially between 11am and 3pm, wear sunscreen, a hat and light clothes, and avoid exercise or activity that makes you hotter.
Cool yourself down.
Have cold food and drinks, avoid alcohol, caffeine and hot drinks, and have a cool shower or put cool water on your skin or clothes.
Keep your living space cool.
Close windows during the day and open them at night when the temperature outside has gone down. Electric fans can help if the temperature is below 35 degrees. Check the temperature of rooms, especially where people at higher risk live and sleep.
