UK maps show 30 cities to escape the sweltering heatwave as 35C bomb to hit nation

Some 30 cities in the UK look set to escape the peak temperatures expected in a sweltering heatwave when the mercury is set to soar to 35C for some. Weather maps generated by WX Charts on Thursday (June 26) show cities in Wales, Scotland, and Northern Ireland won't swelter like England, where temperatures are once again set to pass 30C over the weekend.

Cities in the North of England and parts of South West England look likely to avoid the searing heat on Monday (June 30), according to WX Charts. These include Bath, Bristol, Exeter and Plymouth in the south west, and Carlisle, Berwick upon Tweed, Newcastle and Durham in the north. On the south coast, temperatures look set to be lower on the same date, with one map showing 19-20C in Bournemouth, Southampton and Brighton.

There are seven cities in Wales and temperatures here range from 23-28C. In Northern Ireland it will be cooler, with top temperatures at 6pm on Monday of 19-20C, according to WX Charts. Scotland's eight cities, including Perth, Stirling, Aberdeen and Glasgow, look set to avoid a scorching, with temperatures ranging from 17C to 21C.

With temperatures set to pass 30C, a second amber heat health alert has been issued. The alert covers London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England. It starts at midday on Friday and will last until 6pm on Tuesday.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) also issued a yellow alert for Yorkshire and the Humber and the West Midlands covering the same time period. The agency is warning of significant impacts across health and social care services.

It comes as unsettled conditions on Friday will still see temperatures steadily rise, with highs potentially reaching 28C in the south and east.

Temperatures are expected to peak on Monday when much of the country will see temperatures in the early to mid-30s, according to the UKHSA.

An amber alert was previously issued for all regions in England on June 19, the first time it had been used since September 2023.

On the same day, the UK recorded its warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 32.2C in Kew, west London, before heatwaves were declared across England and Wales.

An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: "We have already seen a spell of hot weather last week and temperatures are once again set to increase in the coming days, with central, southern and eastern areas of the country likely to see the biggest impacts.

"Our findings show that heat, especially at the sort of temperatures we are likely to see at the beginning of next week, can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions.

"It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun."

The Met Office said thunderstorms are possible with warm, humid air set to linger in the south and east today (June 26), with maximum temperatures of 27C in eastern England. Meteorologist Honor Criswick said temperatures are unlikely to feel "quite as muggy".

She said: "For the first part of the day, it is set to be unsettled (with) outbreaks of quite heavy rain at times, particularly across Scotland.

"But it's fairly fast moving, so by the time we reach the afternoon, particularly from the west, we're going to see the return of those bright and sunny spells. And behind this area of rain, a much fresher feel to the air as well."

On Friday, forecasters said the unsettled conditions look set to continue. According to the Met Office, rain could be heavy in the west, while the east of England could remain dry, escaping with some sunny intervals.

Parts of the south and east may also remain very warm, with highs potentially reaching 28C as the muggy air returns.

Ms Criswick said: "For the rest of the week, we do have a ridge of high pressure building to the south, so once again pushing in a return of that warmer air.

"And low pressure is never too far behind, so still some rain on the cards to finish off the week and as we head into the weekend."