Meteorologists have predicted that much of the UK could experience a “mini heatwave” in the coming days.
Temperatures could soar to 30C in parts of the UK on Friday, after a rather gloomy first half of July. And in Greater Manchester, the heatwave is expected to peak on Friday afternoon, with temperatures reaching 28C.
Temperatures will gradually increase in our region over the next few days, with maximum temperatures of 23°C today and 24°C tomorrow. The hottest temperatures are expected around 4pm on Friday, as much of the country is hit by the ‘mini heatwave’.
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The high temperatures follow well-above-average rainfall in the first half of the month, including a weather warning for rain on Tuesday night. By Friday, temperatures in London and the south-east could reach 30C before milder conditions return on Sunday.
Met Office spokeswoman Nicola Maxey said nighttime temperatures could remain around 20C in parts of south-east England – officially classed as “tropical nights” if they do not drop below 20C – with health implications for the elderly and infirm. She added that there was still uncertainty about when warmer conditions would arrive, with the south-east likely to hold on to its warmth for a little longer than elsewhere.
At the same time, some parts of the country have already far exceeded average July rainfall figures, with the month still only halfway through. The Met Office spokesman said England had recorded 97% of average July rainfall between 1 and 15 July, Wales 65%, Scotland 49% and Northern Ireland 47%.
Ms Maxey said: “There are big regional differences but overall it’s looking like a wet month so far. However, we can expect that after a few dry weeks, things will even out by the end of the month.”
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