Home / Editor's Pick /

Temperatures on the rise: Are we set for a heatwave?

10:12
11 April 2024

Temperatures on the rise
Are we set for a heatwave?

City in heatwaveCould summer arrive early with a spring heatwave? It's unlikely.

Temperatures are rising in the coming days, with some reports of a heatwave in the UK and Ireland... but is that accurate?

Heatwaves are not defined by a set nationwide temperature, instead individual counties are given their own threshold based on the average temperatures typically recorded there.

These thresholds range from 25°C to 28°C, when these are surpassed for three consecutive days, an official heatwave is declared.

Will we see a heatwave soon?

Temperatures over the coming days look set to peak with a high of 20°C in the north-east and east of England, Thursday and Friday.

Changing thresholds

In 2022, eight counties in the UK adjusted their heatwave threshold to account for rising average temperatures.

Following this, we see highs slightly reduce into the weekend, though remaining in the high-teens.

Which means, despite some headlines, we won't see an official heatwave any time soon.

Report: UK should name heatwavesread more
Ryan Hathaway
More on the topic
Split image showing a towering storm cloud with rain shafts over the sea on the left and a vivid red aurora illuminating the night sky above residential rooftops on the right, divided by a curved white line.
Tuesday, 9 December 2025

Your weather - Your shots

Autumn captured by you
pinecones
Thursday, 11 December 2025

Winter helpers

How pine cones aid the weather forecast
Split image showing a snowy Christmas market on the left and a UK weather map on the right with pink zones indicating widespread snowfall over Liverpool, Manchester, Birmingham, and Newcastle, plus white snow icons.
Monday, 8 December 2025

Everyone wants to know...

How likely is a White Christmas?
All weather news
This might also interest you
Weather graphic showing rain and wind fields over the Canary Islands and a central warning symbol.
Friday, 12 December 2025

Storm and rain

Turbulent weather in the Canary Islands
Weather map of the UK and Ireland showing scattered showers with cloudy patches across much of the region, especially around western and northern areas. Sunshine symbols appear over London, Cardiff, and parts of southern England, while temperatures range from 17°C to 18°C in most places. Areas of heavier rain are visible over the Atlantic to the west.
Friday, 29 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Unsettled conditions into the weekend
Friday, 22 August 2025

Breakfast brief

Sunny start for some, overcast later
All articles
Weather & Radar

Weather & Radar is also available on

Google Play StoreApp Store

Company

Contact us Privacy Policy Legal info Accessibility statement

Services

Uploader

Socials

facebooktwittertikToklinkList