Temperatures set to soar to 30C over weekend with 'tropical nights' after wet July

Temperatures are set to soar in the UK as Britons can expect up to 30C at the weekend after well above-average rainfall was recorded in the first half of the month.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat alerts which cover the East Midlands, East England, London and the South East from Thursday to Saturday.

It warns that expected hot weather may have minor impacts on the health and social care sector.

The Met Office said temperatures of “around 30C are possible in the South East” and that figures in the mid to upper twenties are “more likely in places” across England and Wales.

Figures are set to climb into the low 20s Celsius across parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland over the next few days.

Cooler conditions are set to be in place by Sunday.

It comes as parts of the country have already well exceeded July’s average rainfall figures despite only being halfway through the month.

England had 97% of July’s average rainfall between July 1 and 15, Wales had 65%, Scotland 49% and Northern Ireland 47%.

London has had 154% of its July average already and Dorset 120%. Edinburgh has only had 40% and Dundee 33%.

Nicola Maxey, a spokesperson for the Met Office, said: “There are quite big regional differences but overall it’s looking like a wet month so far.

“There is a caveat that, with a dry couple of weeks, by the end of the month things could even themselves out.”

A few heavy downpours usually account for most of a location's July rainfall, rather than consistent rain over time, Ms Maxey added.

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