It's looking like here in the West Country we'll be treated to a week of hot and sunny weather as temperatures rise to 30C and beyond in places. Today's weather alone (Saturday, August 6) will see the mercury rise to around 23C in Bristol, while Bath and Somerset will see slightly cooler weather and Gloucestershire could possibly be a couple of degrees hotter.
Then, as the week progresses, the Met Office forecasts temperatures to exceed 30C, with sunny weather forecast across the region - and so far not a ingle drop of rain appears to be in sight. Forecasters at the Met Office added, however, that they are not expecting any temperature records to be broken this week (like those that came in the recent heatwave).
This hot weather will be due to an area of high pressure building from the Atlantic into the south and south west of England and Met Office chief forecaster, Steve Willington, said: "We could see parts of the UK entering heatwave conditions if the above-average temperatures last for three days or more.
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"Many areas of the UK, especially the south will witness temperatures several degrees higher than average, but these values are likely to be well below the record-breaking temperatures we saw in mid-July. As the high pressure builds there is very little meaningful rain in the forecast, especially in those areas in the south of England, which experienced very dry conditions last month.
"Elsewhere in the UK, such as in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland, rain-bearing weather fronts will make limited headway against the high pressure, bringing some rain to north-western parts of the UK.”
Weather forecasters are also unsure as to how long this hot spell will last, with early predictions suggesting that 'more changeable conditions' could return around the middle of the month and, while temperatures may continue to remain above average in southern parts of England, the change would mean less of a chance of high temperatures sticking around for too long. Deputy chief meteorologist with the Met Office, Rebekah Sherwin, explained the difference between this latest hot weather and last month's heatwave, saying: "The weather pattern bringing next week’s hot spell is different to the one responsible for last month’s record-breaking temperatures which saw already hot air being drawn up from southern Europe adding to our own home-grown heat.
"“This time, that is much less likely; instead, temperatures will build steadily within the lingering area of high pressure. There is some uncertainty about next week’s temperatures, although in early August sunshine in the UK doesn’t have the heating potential of mid-July as the sun is lower in the sky and the hours of daylight are marginally shorter.
"Both of these factors suggest that we’re very unlikely to see temperatures peak much above low to mid 30s. However, this would still be a hot spell of weather.”
Weather forecast for the South West of England (Saturday, August 6 - Wednesday, August 10)
Today:
A fresh start this morning, but this will give way to a dry and sunny day. A little fair weather cloud will develop during the day, but many will remain cloud free throughout. Feeling warm, especially in the sunshine. Maximum temperature 24 °C.
Tonight:
A fine end tot he day, with any fair weather cloud melting away. Overnight will remain dry and clear, with temperatures slightly higher than last night. Minimum temperature 10 °C.
Sunday:
Another dry and sunny day on Sunday, although some high cloud may make the sunshine hazy at times. Feeling warmer than today. Maximum temperature 25 °C.
Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:
The dry spell will continue into early next week, with plenty of sunshine across the area. Temperatures will climb day on day, making it feel hot by Wednesday.
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