After a few days of thunderstorms and rainclouds brought us some respite from the intense heat, it’s now nearly time for us to start preparing for the next heatwave in August.
The Met Office is predicting another two weeks of higher than average temperatures across Leeds this August – and it’s not far off.
The July heatwave saw temperatures soar across West Yorkshire, with highs of 32C.
The Met Office has said August will have ”drier conditions with sunny spells and ”showers or longer periods of rain”
Weather outlook forecaster Brian Gaze told The Express that: “There are tentative signs of an improvement in the middle third of August [and] high pressure may build towards the UK from the Azores, but there is a lot of uncertainty about this.”
It’s predicted that temperatures will be mixed at the beginning of August, but then “temperatures in southern and central areas could climb towards the upper 20°Cs, and in the north the mid 20°Cs” towards the end of the month.
The long-range forecast from Met Office, meanwhile, is predicting “warmer and drier-than-average conditions”.
Currently, pundits are suggesting that 15 or 16 August could be the most likely time that we will see the August heatwave hit Leeds.
Dr Owen Landeg, Scientific and Technical Lead at PHE, said: “Everybody can be affected by high temperatures and most people are aware of good health advice for coping with hot weather.
”As we experience the first hot weather episode of the year, it’s important for everyone to remember to adapt their behaviours. This is particularly important during the pandemic with many people self-isolating.”
The full long-range forecast for Leeds from the Met Office reads:
“Sunny spells and showers for many areas at the start of this period, with most frequent showers probably in the north and west.
“By the middle of next week there is an increasing likelihood of thicker cloud bringing rain to northwestern areas, together with stronger winds.
“These more unsettled conditions are likely to spread southeastwards through the latter part of next week.
“Beyond this it is likely to remain changeable; confidence is low in terms of detail, but most places will likely see showers or longer spells of rain, interspersed with some drier, more settled periods. Some strong winds are possible at times, especially in the northwest.
“Temperatures are most likely to be around average, perhaps warm in the east and southeast.”
Feature image – Crowne Plaza Leeds.
