Heat exceeds 40C in parts of Europe - is a September heatwave in store for the UK?
A late-season heatwave originating in North Africa is bringing record-breaking temperatures to parts of Europe, including Spain and France. While the UK will experience a brief period of warmer weather, the extreme heat is expected to intensify across central and eastern Europe.
Why it matters
The occurrence of extreme heat in September highlights shifting climate patterns and the increasing frequency of unseasonal weather events in Europe.
Image source, Getty Images By Sarah Keith-Lucas Lead Weather Presenter Published 30 minutes ago The UK will see a quick burst of summer-like weather this weekend as hot air gripping central and southern Europe spreads northward.
France and Spain have been among the hottest locations this week with temperatures exceeding 40C at times.
The extreme heat is forecast to intensify for central and eastern areas over the next few days.
As it does, some of that warmth will briefly head towards the UK, causing temperatures to rise through the weekend before cooler air arrives next week.
Earlier this week hot and dusty air moved out of north Africa and onto the Iberian Peninsula where it has intensified under sunny skies and the impact of dry ground underneath.
On Thursday, El Granado in south-west Spain reached 45.7C (114F), the country's highest temperature recorded this year.
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