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Temperatures on the rise: Are we set for a heatwave?

10:12
11 April 2024

Temperatures on the rise
Are we set for a heatwave?

City in heatwaveCould summer arrive early with a spring heatwave? It's unlikely.

Temperatures are rising in the coming days, with some reports of a heatwave in the UK and Ireland... but is that accurate?

Heatwaves are not defined by a set nationwide temperature, instead individual counties are given their own threshold based on the average temperatures typically recorded there.

These thresholds range from 25°C to 28°C, when these are surpassed for three consecutive days, an official heatwave is declared.

Will we see a heatwave soon?

Temperatures over the coming days look set to peak with a high of 20°C in the north-east and east of England, Thursday and Friday.

Changing thresholds

In 2022, eight counties in the UK adjusted their heatwave threshold to account for rising average temperatures.

Following this, we see highs slightly reduce into the weekend, though remaining in the high-teens.

Which means, despite some headlines, we won't see an official heatwave any time soon.

Report: UK should name heatwavesread more
Ryan Hathaway
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