Newcastle weather: Will there be a heatwave in August 2022? What the Met Office says

After experiencing the hottest July in history for the UK, the city of Newcastle may have to brace itself for another series of heatwaves in August.

In recent weeks, as is typical for British summer time, we have seen every type of weather, from thunderstorms and cloudy skies to warmer days.

According to the Met Office, July was also the driest month in over 20 years, as the UK saw just 56% (46.3mm) of its average rainfall, with 1999 recording just 46.1 mm.

However, it seems like we will experience extended periods of sunshine in the following days and weeks, bringing with it rumours of a possible heatwave.

So, will Newcastle be getting a heatwave?

Here’s everything you need to know about the current forecast.

What has the Met Office said about the heatwave?

The UK has seen a significantly colder week since record-breaking temperatures.

Temperatures have reached the low to mid-twenties, and circumstances have been mostly cloudy with scattered showers.

As we approach the weekend, the majority of England will likely remain dry.

The first week of August will likely be gloomy in the north, with rain or drizzle as well as occasional sunny periods. However, settled weather will likely move into northern regions, decreasing the likelihood of rain.

Temperatures are predicted to be typically above average, and frequently very warm or even scorching, in the central and southern regions of England, with organised rain in the north at times, but dry weather persisting across the nation.

The Met Office forecasts that temperatures will begin to rise on Friday, when London might reach 26°C in the afternoon.

However, top temperatures in Newcastle this week look set to peak at 24C and could be as low as 11C.

What is the threshold for a heatwave in the UK?

The Met Office states that a certain threshold must be reached in order to declare a heatwave.

On the Met Office website, it states that: “When a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.”

The initial heatwave thresholds were determined using the climatology of daily maximum temperatures at the halfway point of the meteorological summer for the years 1981 to 2010. (15 July). The Met Office revised the criteria in 2022.

The temperature that triggers a heatwave varies by county, with some southeastern regions having a threshold of 28°C and northern and western regions having a threshold of 25°C.

What is the weather forecast for Newcastle this week?

Today

Beginning on Wednesday, the city will have gloomy conditions with rain showers.

The weather will likely become drier and sunnier later in the day, although isolated showers are possible in the afternoon and overcast may continue over the Pennines.

Maximum anticipated temperature is 22°C.

Outlook for Thursday to Sunday

Temperatures will likely feel cooler from Thursday to Saturday, with cold nights in store.

However, sunny spells and dry weather are anticipated to continue for the most part, though isolated showers are possible at times.

Sunday will be cloudier than Saturday, but will remain dry. Daytime temperatures are close to normal, with cold nights.