If you are planning on using the public transport, rail + bus, tomorrow, please check with providers as approximately a third of journeys in the south and east have already been cancelled, and through the day tomorrow more cancellations are likely. Why? The UK isn’t built to withstand temperatures much higher than 80F (26C), and at temperatures above that, systems that we rely on becoming increasingly inefficient, and with temperatures of 36-40C tomorrow, there could well be severe disruption to travel etc. .
Although 38-39C is most likely tomorrow, there is a small chance (20% or so) of reaching 40C, therefore, it is included on this map.
Where will the hottest temperatures be? Well the weather – map below nicely outlines where the hottest temperatures will be tomorrow, notice how many of us see temperatures well into the 30s. (Courtesy of Meteociel).
These are maximum temperatures, and could last a couple of hours in any said location. Highs of 36-40C are forecast for large area of England.
I have split the forecast temperatures up into 3 defined regions for clarity.
1) South East England, the East Midlands, Kent + East Anglia, London, 36-40C.
2) Hampshire, Gloucestershire, Wiltshire, into the West Midlands, Northern England, Yorkshire, 30-35C.
3) South West England, Wales, Scotland, generally 28 to 30C but there may be a 31 here somewhere.
Later in the evening there is a good potential for some vicious thunderstorms. Some violent storms are likely, however predicting exactly where these will form is near impossible. Some storms may form over the north Midlands, head into Northern England and Scotland, meanwhile some storms may affect south eastern areas of England to. Frequent lightning, gusty winds and large hail, perhaps of up to 3cm in size, are possible in the worst affected areas, as well as the risk of some surface water flooding later tomorrow and overnight into Friday.
Thunderstorm risk map:
Thunderstorms are tough to predict – this is just guidance, it is a probability forecast. Some areas, even in the higher risk zones, may not be affected. Temperatures gradually lower from Friday into the weekend, which will be some relief! Some parts of south East England seeing a 10C temperature drop between Thursday and Friday, 29C is still hot, but much more tolerable.
Advice on staying cool.
*Drink plenty of fluids, to stay hydrated. A dehydrated person is more prone to suffering from heat stroke.
*Use reflective gear on windows to reflect the sun’s radiation, this can help reduce indoor temperatures.
*Keep cool by using a cold water bottle or ice pack, if necessary!
*Check on friends and relatives who you think could be particularly risk, especially if it involves very young or old people!