London is set to swelter in another heatwave, according to the latest forecasts from BBC Weather. Last week saw the mercury hit a record-breaking June temperature of 36.4C at Heathrow Airport on Friday, June 26. That prompted a rare red weather warning as extreme heat posed a risk to life, but now the heat is set to return—albeit not quite as sweltering.
Forecast Details for Early July
This Sunday, July 5, is likely to peak at 28C, with next Wednesday, July 8, forecast to be a sweltering 32C. The heat will then run well into Monday, July 12, which is where the BBC's day-to-day forecast ends. That constitutes an eight-day heatwave, as a heatwave in London is defined as three consecutive days at 28C or higher.
However, as England will be playing on Monday, July 6—assuming they beat DR Congo on Wednesday, July 1—beer gardens will be bustling as thermostats peak at 30C. The Met Office's forecast does not stretch that far ahead, so a day-by-day prediction is not available. Yet the long-range forecast insists that 'temperatures will rise through the period, perhaps becoming very warm or hot in places.' WX Charts also predicts boiling temperatures next Wednesday, with its map forecasting 31C.
Expert Warning on Climate Change
MyLondon spoke to Jim Dale of the British Weather Services about his predictions. He told us that Tuesday, July 7, has the potential to be a scorching 40C. Dale added that the 'writing is on the wall' regarding the adverse effects of climate change. It was not just the UK that broke its June records—Germany, Denmark, and Switzerland did too. 'What we're talking about here is unprecedented,' he said.
'Of course we're in trouble, the estimate from the World Health Organization is that 1,300 people died in last week's heatwave across Europe. My guess is it's probably a lot more. Heat deaths tend to be very quiet deaths if that makes sense. It brings on heart attacks, strokes, and various other ailments, particularly in the elderly, the weak, and the young.'
London Weather Forecast (June 29–July 12)
Today (Monday, June 29): H24C L16C, sunny intervals and light winds.
Tuesday, June 30: H24C L14C, light cloud and a gentle breeze.
Wednesday, July 1: H25C L15C, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze.
Thursday, July 2: H25C L14C, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze.
Friday, July 3: H27C L15C, sunny and a gentle breeze.
Saturday, July 4: H27C L15C, sunny and a gentle breeze.
Sunday, July 5: H28C L17C, sunny and a gentle breeze.
Monday, July 6: H30C L18C, sunny and a gentle breeze.
Tuesday, July 7: H31C L19C, sunny and a gentle breeze.
Wednesday, July 8: H32C L20C, sunny and a gentle breeze.
Thursday, July 9: H32C L20C, sunny and a gentle breeze.
Friday, July 10: H31C L19C, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze.
Saturday, July 11: H29C L18C, sunny intervals and a gentle breeze.
Sunday, July 12: H30C L18C, sunny and a gentle breeze.
