ISLANDERS experienced a rare sweltering sensation yesterday as the temperature climbed to make it the second-hottest day of the year so far – but a downward turn in the heat is imminent.
A maximum figure of just over 27°C was recorded yesterday, but the brief hot spell won’t be passing the official threshold for a heatwave.
The hottest day of 2024 so far was on 26 June, when a figure of 28.9°C was recorded at Maison St Louis.
A new definition for heatwaves was issued by Jersey Met last year, requiring there to be highs of 28°C or more over three consecutive days.
Forecaster Bryan de Gruchy said wind from a more north-westerly direction would be likely to result in slightly lower temperatures today, although a projected maximum of 25°C would still be around three degrees higher than the average for the time of year.
Those hoping the warm weather will persist into the weekend are likely to be disappointed though, Mr de Gruchy added.
“It’s going to become less settled over the weekend, with a temperature reaching 22°C on Saturday and some showers, which could be heavy,” he said.
“Sunday looks the better day, and we should see some sunshine, but it’ll be a fresher feel with a maximum of about 20°C.”
The fall in temperature is not forecast to be as dramatic as that experienced three weeks ago, when a high of 19.5°C was recorded on 27 June, the day after the record mark of 28.9°C.
Earlier this week the Island saw torrential rain during the royal visit by King Charles III and Queen Camilla, with 8.2 millimetres of rain – more than a sixth of the July average – falling in a 20-minute period on Monday afternoon.
