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What does it mean? Heatwave possibly on the way

09:00
16 June 2025

What does it mean?
Heatwave possibly on the way

A warm start to the week, which sticks around for a possible heatwave towards the weekend.

It remains warm across the UK, with talk of an imminent heatwave, but what does this mean?

The definition of a heatwave varies globally, but in the UK is defined by the Met Office as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures reaching or rising above the heatwave criteria.

The heatwave criteria varies by county, ranging between 25°C and 28°C. For example, Northern Ireland's criteria is 25°C, as is large parts of Scotland, Northern England and Wales.

Much of London and the Home Counties, however, are required to reach 28°C, across three days, to warrant an official heatwave.

With these numbers in mind, it looks likely that parts of the UK may experience the first heatwave of the year towards the end of the week.

When these conditions arrive, remember the sunscreen if heading out, stay hydrated, and try to avoid spending too much time in the midday Sun.

UV forecasts on Weather & Radarread more
Ryan Hathaway
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