Met Office Flags Higher September Heatwave Risk as UK Seas Run 3C Above Average
Updated
Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 19
Met Office Flags Higher September Heatwave Risk as UK Seas Run 3C Above Average
3 articles · Updated · bbc.co.uk · Aug 19
Summary
Early September carries an increased UK heatwave risk, with the Met Office saying September-to-November is more likely than normal to be warm and especially prone to heat-related impacts in the first half.
High pressure forecast south of the UK could bring dry, sunny weather and pull in warmer air from continental Europe, raising the chance of another hot spell after this week's cooler interlude.
Dry ground and unusually warm seas are amplifying that risk: July was the driest on record in England and Wales, more than two thirds of England and all of Wales are in drought, and nearby seas are up to 3C above average.
This week's rain is not expected to end the drought, and the Met Office's autumn outlook also points to drier-than-average conditions, suggesting little near-term relief despite temperatures running 2C to 4C below mid-August norms for now.