Cancel your holiday plans. There’s nowhere better for catching a suntan this weekend than the UK. It’s going to be hotter than Ibiza, Corfu, Naples, Lisbon and hundreds of other places in Europe—with it looking like temperatures could peak around 33°C in Bristol.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert across the South West for the next six days—from today (Wednesday, July 9) to Tuesday, July 15. With temperatures forecast to rise above 30°C across many of those days, the UK is very likely to experience its third heatwave of the year.
What is a heatwave?
A heatwave is when an area exceeds normal temperatures for an extended period. The Met Office describes a heatwave as when “a location records at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.” This is set at 27°C in Bristol.
It’s unlikely that the South West will be the only UK area hit with a heatwave this week. The heat health alert also covers London, the South East, East Midlands, West Midlands and East of England. The highest temperature ever recorded in the UK was at Coningsby in Lincolnshire on July 19, 2022, at 40.3ºC.
How hot will it get in Bristol this weekend?
Bristol isn’t likely to get that hot, but as we said, it will be hotter than Ibiza over the weekend. According to the Met Office, the Balearic island will remain at a comfortable 27°C over the coming days. Bristol, meanwhile, will reach that today (July 9) and overtake it tomorrow (July 10) at 29°C.
The rising temperatures will not be slowing down there, either. On Friday (July 11), it could be as high as 32°C, before reaching 33°C on Saturday (July 12). Don’t expect it to be any cooler on Sunday (July 13), with temperatures potentially reaching 32°C again. You’ll have to wait until Monday (July 14) to see the thermometer fall below 30°C, where it may only peak at around 26°C.
How do I beat the heat?
It should go without saying, but drink plenty of water. But there are plenty of less obvious ways to stay cool during a heatwave. You can keep cool by closing your windows and curtains; turning off any unnecessary electric devices that generate heat; and wearing white clothing. For more tips and tricks to beat the heat, head here .