The very strong, relentless sunshine on Monday, combined with the UV level ‘Very High’ again, pushed the thermometer to 31.1C at 16.36. This peak was a significant 10.7C above my long-term average making it the hottest day since 14th August 2022 when 33.2C was logged.. The hot air persisted overnight that saw the thermometer not drop below 18.5C, logged at 05.17 early Tuesday, just after dawn in Marlborough at 04.54.
Tuesday began with variable cloud and some early sunshine, but cloud began encroaching from the northwest so by 07.00 it became muted. The considerable heat by day and night has resulted in a ground temperature at a depth of 5cm reading 25.2C at 08.00.
A cold weather front is edging down from the north, which is bringing the increased thin and variable cloud that heralds the change in our weather pattern.
We have recently been under the edge of a heat dome that was centred over Spain, Portugal and France that had been trapping hot, stagnant air beneath it. As the weak weather front eases southwards today, combined with a low pressure system in the North Sea, the wind will come from the west, bringing a fresher air stream as the day progresses, thus the peak temperature today will not quite reach the high of Monday as the recent heat is slowly being edged eastwards.
There is news today of the first ever geostationary satellite to provide 3D profiles for temperature and humidity for Europe being launched today. This will provide data to enhance the next generation of weather forecasts. It is the second satellite as part of a series of six which will revolutionise and safeguard weather forecasting across Europe for the next 20 years. The Met Office say ” This international collaboration is vital in ensuring that recent improvements to forecast accuracy can be safeguarded and enhanced in the coming years.”
Due to family commitments the June review will be one day late and appear tomorrow.