UK weather: Temperatures could hit 36C today, Met Office says – but Brits also bracing for thunderstorms & heavy rain
It's forecast to be another scorcher, following highs of more than 33C in parts of England yesterday.
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Monday saw the hottest start to Wimbledon on record, with 32.9C recorded at nearby Kew Gardens, while 33.1C was recorded at Heathrow.
Temperatures across much of the region are expected to reach into the 30s again today.
In the south east, figures could climb as high as a sweltering 36C, according to the Met Office.
However, the rest of the UK is predicted more changeable conditions.
Alex Burkill, meteorologist at the Met Office, said there would be a 'three-way split' across the UK on Tuesday, with high temperatures and 'lots of sunshine on offer' in south, central and eastern England.
'There will be a bit of cloud here and there – you can't even rule out one or two showers developing – but actually, across parts of the far South East, barely a cloud in the sky,' he said.
'With all that sunshine, with all the hot weather that we've had recently, the heat's going to continue to build (and) temperatures are going to rise a little bit higher.
'Towards the South East many places high 20s (or) low 30s, but there's potential that we could be looking at around 34, 35, maybe even 36C tomorrow.'
But scattered showers coming from the south west are due to hit parts of Wales and northern England later today, Mr Burkill added.
Elsewhere, in north-west Scotland and Northern Ireland, conditions are set to remain dry.
Grumpy Wimbledon fans left with sticky fingers as record-breaking weather sees ice creams melt before getting to court
And, a channel of slightly cooler air is expected to move in from the continent over Tuesday night into Wednesday.
This should see sweltering nights start to feel 'a bit more comfortable' in many places, the forecaster said.
A "chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms" will also cut through the heat in the southeast on Wednesday morning.
Heavy showers are also expected in the northeast, although downpours are due to ease up into the afternoon.
Later in the week, more rain is forecast in the northwest, which will lead into a "widely unsettled" weekend for all.
But temperatures are set to remain close to average for the time of year.
This comes after the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) extended amber heat health alerts for much of the country into Wednesday morning.
The UKHSA warnings for Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, the West Midlands, the East of England, London, the South East and the South West are now in place until 9am on Wednesday.
A yellow heat health alert has also been extended to the same time for the North West.
Since 1960, UK temperatures in June have surpassed 34C in only three years, with the hottest being 35.6C, recorded on June 28 1976.
A heatwave in the UK is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days, with temperature values meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature thresholds.
Across the north and west of the UK this is 25C, and across Greater London and the Home Counties, 28C.
Charlwood, in Surrey, recorded the hottest temperature of the year so far at 33.2C on June 21.
Wimbledon fans were spotted yesterday shielding themselves from the sun as they queued up for tickets on the opening day of the hotly-anticipated tennis Championships.
It was the hottest opening day ever, with temperatures surpassing the previous record of 29.3C set in 2001.
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The hottest day the tournament has seen was in 2015 when temperatures reached 35.7C.
And the rest of Britain grew warmer than holiday hotspots like Ibiza, where highs of 29C were forecast yesterday.
Thousands of Brits have flocked to beaches and outdoor pools today to soak up the summer rays.
However, Brits have been warned heat could cause issues for commuters, with Network Rail, Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express advising passengers to check before they travel today.
Sections of the Brighton Main Line in particular could see delays due to speed restrictions being in place.
This is due to the on track temperatures likely to hit 50C.
A spokesperson for Network Rail and the train operators said: 'With temperatures set to soar as forecast by the Met Office, speed restrictions have to be imposed across large parts of the network to ensure everyone's safety.
'We're sorry but this means we won't be able to run as many trains as normal and journeys will take longer.
"Trains that are running will also be much busier. If you are able to work from home then that may be your best option.
'If you do take the train, then please remember to take a bottle of water and if you begin to feel unwell, seek help at the next station and speak to station staff.
"Pulling emergency alarms onboard may delay us getting help to you.'
And, London Fire Brigade assistant commissioner Thomas Goodall added: 'London is already facing its second heatwave of the year and we know that people will be looking forward to getting outside to enjoy the wonderful weather.
'But the high temperatures and low rainfall in recent months means the current risk of wildfires is severe.
'So far this year, firefighters have responded to around 14 wildfires in the capital.
'There have also been countless callouts to smaller fires involving grass, trees and in other outdoor spaces, as well as in people's gardens.
'During this latest heatwave, it is important everyone acts responsibly to prevent fires from occurring.
'As the weather has been so dry, it only takes a few sparks to lead to a fire spreading rapidly.
'In London, this is can be dangerous because so many of our green spaces lie close to homes and other properties.'
Five day UK weather forecast
Today
Hot, sunny and humid in the southeast today. Cloudier and fresher elsewhere with showery outbreaks of rain. Heavy showers and thunderstorms possible across parts of Scotland and northern England later in the afternoon.
Tonight
Heavy showers in the north continuing this evening, gradually easing overnight. Elsewhere, largely dry in the west with clear skies. Cloudier in the east with showers possible in the southeast.
Wednesday
A chance of heavy showers and thunderstorms in the southeast in the morning. Heavy showers also possible in the northeast. Showers easing to leave a largely dry and bright afternoon.
Outlook for Thursday to Saturday
Showers in the northwest Thursday and Friday, but dry and settled in the southeast. Becoming more widely unsettled into the weekend. Temperatures close to average for the time of year.
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