Parts of the UK have already recorded double their average July sunshine in less than two weeks, as the heatwave continues to deliver exceptional temperatures. Yeovilton in Somerset and Odiham in Hampshire have each clocked up about 152 hours of sunshine in the first 13 days of the month – almost twice the normal amount for the entire month of July. The increased sunshine has mainly been seen in parts of southern and south-west England, but the heat has swept across the length and breadth of the UK, from the south of England to Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland.
The cause is persistent high pressure over the UK, where air tends to sink and inhibits cloud formation. While some mornings have been cloudy, particularly near North Sea coasts, the strong sunshine at this time of year quickly burns off inland cloud cover. The result has been 10 consecutive days of temperatures reaching 30C (86F) or more in some areas, including Teddington, Richmond upon Thames, Kew Gardens and Heathrow in London. The peak of the third heatwave this year came on Thursday 9 July and Friday 10 July, when temperatures hit 35C (95F).
“Double July sunshine in under two weeks as UK heatwave delivers persistent 30C temperatures”
The dry conditions have been stark. Parts of England have recorded 0% of the rainfall they would normally expect so far in July. Wisley in Surrey has gone 27 consecutive days without any rain at all. Rainfall in Wales and Northern Ireland is also far below average. More than eight million households in England are now living under hosepipe bans, while the ongoing dry weather means a continued risk of wildfires.
A notable east-to-north-easterly wind has pushed the highest temperatures further west in recent days. But as the wind eases, the heat is forecast to spread more widely and temperatures are expected to rise higher this week. The heatwave threshold is likely to be met again in Scotland, Northern Ireland and northern England.
Despite the intense heat, a brief cool-down is expected over the weekend. A northerly wind, caused by a shift in the area of high pressure, will bring maximum daytime temperatures ranging from 22C in Scotland and Northern Ireland to 28C in southern England – still warm for the time of year. But it could only be a short respite, as the sunny skies look set to continue.