The UK is bracing itself for a blistering spell of , with temperatures set to skyrocket as high as 33C in parts of the country before the end of June.
Forecasters predict the mercury could hit 30C as early as June 21, signalling the start of a possible . According to advanced weather modelling maps by WXCharts, a powerful heat blast is expected to roll in by 6pm, with Kent - specifically the area between Maidstone and Canterbury - poised to reach possible highs of 30C. London and Surrey could meanwhile climb to a stifling 28C, while Cardiff, , Birmingham, and all of Essex are expected to bask in temperatures between 24C and 27C.
Brits further north and in will enjoy some heat, although temperatures are expected to be cooler - ranging between 18C and 20C.
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Forecasts from the GFS weather model also show a second, more intense burst of sunshine set to scorch large swathes of England on June 26. If the predictions hold, much of southern, central and eastern England could once again be baking in 30C+ heat.
The hottest zones are shaping up to be in the east and southeast, where the mercury could spike. Towns and cities like London, Oxford, Cambridge, Suffolk, Norwich, and – once again – all of Essex, are expected to roast in maximum temperatures ranging from 30C to 33C. The hotspot is set to be Suffolk, where conditions could reach their peak around 6pm on June 26 - topping out at a scorching 33C.
The has issued a long-range forecast covering June 17 to June 26, warning that, “temperatures will likely be above normal for the time of year” with hot weather more likely in the southeast.
In its forecast, the Met Office added: “A broad north to south split in the weather across the UK during this period. In the south it expected to be predominantly fine and dry, with spells of sunshine by day and clear spells overnight. Any rainfall that does occur will probably be light and patchy, with most places staying dry.
“Temperatures will likely be above normal for the time of year and it could be hot at times in the southeast. In the north, probably more changeable, especially at first.
"Here, conditions are expected to be cloudier with some unsettled spells of weather at times, bringing some rain and perhaps strong winds. Temperatures are expected to be close to normal or slightly above.”
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