More areas of UK likely to move into drought as fifth heatwave builds

Sunday will bring warmer conditions across many parts of the UK, with temperatures climbing into the mid‑ to high‑twenty‑degree Celsius range. In south‑east England the mercury is expected to exceed 30 °C and could reach as high as 33 °C. This surge would surpass the existing record for the most days in a year with temperatures above 30 °C. The current benchmark stands at 34 days, set in 1995. A cooler interlude on Monday will be followed by a renewed rise in temperatures across the nation beginning Tuesday. Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecast to see readings generally in the low to mid‑twenties Celsius. Meanwhile, England and Wales should experience mid‑ to high‑twenties values, with extensive areas of east Wales, central, eastern and southern England logging temperatures above 30 °C. The heat is projected to peak on Thursday, when south‑east England may observe 35 °C. Should that materialise, it would mark the fourth consecutive period of 35 °C or higher being recorded. Officials anticipate that the threshold for declaring an official heatwave will be met across much of England and Wales, which would constitute the fifth heatwave of the year for many regions. Yellow heat‑health alerts are already active for most of England and will remain in force until 21:00 BST on Tuesday. The warnings highlight potential impacts on health and social‑care services and an elevated risk to life for vulnerable individuals. Authorities indicate that the alerts may be revised in the coming days as heat‑wave conditions continue to develop.