After a short bout of Mediterranean-style heat, over the past few weeks we’ve been reminded of what an actual British summer usually looks like. Torrential rain and drizzle with mild temperatures and the occasional glimpse of sunshine? Sounds about right.
But can we expect another heatwave before winter? Europe is currently facing a brutal heatwave with some areas experiencing temperatures in the mid to late 40Cs. The dangerously extreme heat has triggered wildfires and health warnings across the continent.
However, it seems that the UK might not suffer the same fate. Despite the European heat and last month being our hottest June on record, the Met Office has said that there is ‘no forecast signal’ right now for temperatures to reach up to 40C like last year, though some heat may return in August. Overall though, it's likely to be cooler than average for the rest of the summer.
A spokesperson for the forecaster said: ‘The chance of reaching 40C is around one per cent, so it is unlikely in any given year, but of course, it remains feasible.’
The Met Office has also warned that we will see ‘unreasonably’ strong winds and heavy rain in many places across the country this week thanks to what they call an Atlantic low-pressure system. Umbrellas at the ready, folks.
ICYMI: behold, this is the UK’s museum of the year for 2023.