Why is it so hot? Scientists credit block of high pressure over Europe

A stable block of high pressure over western Europe is causing unusually warm weather across the UK. As air sinks beneath the high, it heats up through compression, raising surface temperatures beyond typical May levels. Very warm air is also being drawn in from North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, while strong solar heating increases temperatures as the year approaches the longest days. When conditions remain stable, the pattern can persist for days or weeks, limiting the cooler Atlantic weather that usually moderates British summers. South-east England may reach around 30°C, and the Met Office forecasts 30°C on Saturday, 32°C on Sunday, and up to 33°C on Monday in southern England and the Midlands. Western Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to be cooler and cloudier with some rain at times.

"The heatwave is largely being driven by a large, stable block of high pressure over western Europe, according to the expert. 'As air sinks beneath it, it heats up through compression, pushing surface temperatures well beyond what we would expect at this time of year,' Professor Cloke explained. 'This is then further intensified by very warm air being drawn in from north Africa and the Iberian Peninsula, as well as strong solar heating as we approach the longest days of the year.'"

"'When conditions are stable enough, this kind of pattern can persist for days or even weeks, preventing the cooler Atlantic weather that usually keeps British summers in check from breaking through. 'For parts of south-east England, we could be looking at 30°C, a threshold rarely crossed in May.'"

"Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, Steve Kocher, said: 'Temperatures will climb through the weekend, especially in the south, where 30°C is likely to be recorded on Saturday and 32°C on Sunday. 'Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33°C recorded in southern England and the Midlands.'"

Read at Mail Online