Kent weather: Met Office verdict on 32C French heatwave heading to Britain

Forecasters have warned we’re set to sizzle in the coming weeks, with a whopping 32C heatwave as early as June. The Met Office has given its verdict on temperatures this summer being hotter than normal.

The experts said the three months until August are likely to exceed average temperatures. But they have also warned the summer season could be quite damp and we’re more likely to see floods than drought.

Conditions are set to create heatwaves that could send the Mercury soaring up and into the 30s for a period of time. The Mirror wrote that a scorching African plume is set to sweep across Europe and the UK from June to September – with 35C heat expected.

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Air masses blowing north across the Channel will bring heat, but also thundery downpours scattering sunbathers at times. Much-hotter-than-usual temperatures across the period until the start of August are seven times more likely than much-cooler-than-average, the Met Office said.

The first heat pulse from France is due in early June, which is likely to trigger the annual beach rush. Pushing 32C is expected by late June and into early July, temperature trends show, with even hotter peaks following.

The Met Office’s three-month outlook, being briefed to councils and businesses, said: “There is a greater than normal chance of hot weather, such as heatwaves. Signals are consistent for winds blowing more frequently from the south and east.”

Meteorologists said a much-hotter-than-average period to August is a bumper 35 per cent probability, compared to the five per cent chance of much-cooler-than-usual. Last year’s bone-dry hot summer climaxed in record high temperatures and hosepipe bans.

The hottest day of the year in Kent was recorded on July 19, with thermometers topping 39C. In Licolnshire, the mercury reached a record-breaking 40.3C.

But the coming months could see more rain than normal on the cards, as well as the threat of floods from thunderstorms. Glastonbury and Wimbledon risk soakings.

The Met Office outlook said: “There is an increase in the chance of wetter than normal conditions across the UK over the three months.”

Ex-BBC and Met Office forecaster John Hammond of weathertrending said: “After heat and drought last year, computer model output is gravitating towards a signal of warmth and wetness for summer.

“Early June has models showing low pressure focused to our south, with higher pressure to our north. In this set-up, most showers would be across southern and eastern parts of the UK, and these could well be heavy and thundery.”

Met Office long range forecast

Friday 26 May – Sunday 4 Jun

The start of this period sees generally settled conditions across many parts of the UK, with sunny spells for many. Northern regions may see more cloud at times, with weakening bands of rain possible.

Temperatures should be above average for most. Feeling warm away from windward eastern coasts, perhaps very warm for the south. Into early June, with the focus of high pressure shifting north, there is an increased chance of more unsettled conditions in the south of the UK.

This brings the chance of heavy, thundery showers or longer spells of rain here. Winds are expected to be generally light, though perhaps moderate in the southeast and far northwest at times.

Temperatures staying above normal, and perhaps locally very warm. Conversely, cooler for windward coasts.

Monday 5 Jun – Monday 19 Jun

Spells of unsettled weather are possible in the south of England and Wales, with potentially thundery showers and more extended periods of rain. The northern half of the UK is more likely to see settled and dry conditions, with generally light winds inland and stronger sea breezes in coastal regions.

Temperatures likely to stay above average for the time of year, though eastern coastal areas may feel cooler due to the stronger onshore winds.

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