Another Heatwave Set to Sweep Across Europe as Temperatures Soar

Another round of extreme summer heat is expected to develop across parts of Europe, with temperatures forecast to climb into the 30s across large areas of the continent.

The latest model guidance shows widespread temperatures in the 30s C on Sunday, particularly across France, Spain, Portugal, Italy, the Balkans and parts of central and eastern Europe. Some locations in southern Europe could approach or reach 40 C.

The forecast comes as the United Kingdom's Met Office warned that heatwave conditions are likely to return to many parts of the UK next week, with temperatures expected to rise through the weekend and increase more significantly into the middle of the week.

The Met Office said temperatures in southern and southeastern England could reach the low 30s C on Sunday, before continuing to climb. Its latest forecast indicated temperatures could peak in the mid-30s C by Wednesday.

The European-wide temperature pattern is even more pronounced farther south and east, with much of the Iberian Peninsula, France, Italy and the Balkans in the low-to-upper 30s, with pockets of extreme heat near 40 C.

The developing heat is being driven in part by a broad area of high pressure, which is helping to promote prolonged periods of sunshine and rising temperatures.

The Met Office said high pressure is expected to remain in control across the UK through the first part of next week, allowing temperatures to climb day by day.

The latest long-range outlook suggests the heat could persist beyond the middle of August, particularly across southern parts of the UK and Europe.