It's not long since we were all sweltering in record temperatures, and more hot weather could be on the horizon according to forecasters. Further warm spells are anticipated throughout August, with a warm and humid air mass over the south of Wales and England forecast.
Heatwaves - defined as a period of time where temperatures are above average for three or more consecutive days - are becoming increasingly likely in today's society as a result of climate change. In July, Wales recorded its hottest day ever, with the mercury hitting 37.1C in Hawarden in Flintshire, as the UK experienced several days of well above average temperatures for the time of year.
There's said to be an increased likelihood of Wales and the UK seeing another heatwave before the summer is through. However, it seems a heatwave is a little while off yet for Wales, with rain showers keeping the temperature around the monthly average of 21C. The first day of August will see highs of 28C near London as a result of the warm air mass, but Wales will see temperatures closer to 23C.
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Looking ahead to the weekend, the Met Office says: "Temperatures near normal across the south but feeling cooler in northern regions and during the nights."
The weather for the first weekend of August across Wales therefore looks warm and pleasant, but no temperatures are forecast in extremes. Cardiff is predicted to peak at 22C on Sunday, August 7, meanwhile, Tenby will sit between 18C and 19C across the weekend, and up in North Wales, current Wales temperature record holder, Hawarden, is forecast an overcast but pleasant weekend around 20C.
BBC Weather has predicted similar temperatures of 22C across Wales this weekend, with "sunny intervals and a gentle breeze" predicted. However, higher temperatures could begin as we progress into the second week of August. In the Met Office long-range forecast, it says: "Temperatures becoming widely near normal, but perhaps warm or very warm in the south."
The forecast continues in the second half of August: "Temperatures likely continuing to be widely above normal, with the potential for a very warm spell in the south."
The BBC Weather forecast for the same period says: "Temperatures will be slightly above average in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. Rainfall will be below seasonal average for England and Wales, especially in south-east England."
Bookmakers William Hill has given August 5/2 odds to produce the UK's hottest day of the year in 2022, while it's 11/4 for the mercury to reach 40C. It is also offering even money on the temperature peaking between 35-39.9C next month as the heat continues to linger in the British air.
William Hill spokesman, Tony Kenny, said: "July produced the hottest temperatures we've ever seen in the UK, and it seems that there are more sweltering temperatures on the horizon."
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