Met Office gives verdict on chances of a Manchester heatwave next week

The Met Office has given its verdict on whether an official heatwave will be recorded in Manchester next week as temperatures look set to soar.

After a chillier than average start to June, some summer whether is finally on the way, with temperatures predicted to reach as high as 26C in the region from Monday. Elsewhere in the UK, temperatures could hit a maximum of 29C.

A spokesperson for the Met Office told the Manchester Evening News that although it will feel much warmer next week, there's only a 20 per cent chance of an official heatwave being recorded in Manchester.

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Official heatwaves are recorded when an area hits the heatwave threshold for three consecutive days. In Manchester, that threshold is 25C.

The spokesperson said: "Whilst we may see above 25 C early next week, it is unlikely (20 per cent chance) of heatwave criteria to be met in Manchester– which is seeing 25C reached or exceeded for three consecutive days. Temperatures are likely to reach 25C possibly 26C, maybe peaking on Tuesday before turning cooler later mid-week."

The areas most likely to record a heatwave are central and southern England. While thresholds may not be met across the rest of the UK, the high temperatures are still likely to break some records next week.

The Met Office's deputy chief meteorologist Dan Rudman said: "After a brief, less settled interlude today and tomorrow, fine conditions will return by Sunday and into the beginning of next week. For much of the UK this will be accompanied by a boost in temperatures with many places reaching the mid-20°Cs.

"Some central and southern areas are likely to see temperatures approaching the values needed for heatwave conditions. Heatwave conditions need to remain in situ for three consecutive days, and by the beginning to middle of next week it is possible that some parts of the UK could be reaching heatwave thresholds.

“However, whether or not everyone experiences heatwave thresholds, the majority of the UK will experience the highest temperatures so far this year."

The hotter weather may not stick around for long though. Temperatures are likely to reach a peak early on in the week before high-pressure breaks down from Tuesday night into Wednesday, resulting in some more unsettled conditions. With this breakdown comes a chance of some heavy showers or thunderstorms in places, according to forecasters, with the most persistent rain likely in the west or southwest.

A yellow heat health alert has been issued by the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which will be in place from from 9am on Monday, June 24 to 6pm on Thursday, June 27. The alert covers the North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West.

The alerts are issued when a rise in temperatures could pose a health threat to vulnerable people, including elderly people who have multiple health conditions and are on multiple medications.