The United Kingdom is preparing for another heatwave this weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach 34 degrees Celsius or higher. The Met Office has issued an amber heat health alert for four regions: eastern England, the South East, the South West, and London.
Timing and Duration of the Alert
The amber alert came into effect at midday on Thursday and will remain in place until 8pm on Tuesday. This extended period of high temperatures has prompted health warnings across the affected areas.
Potential for Record-Breaking Temperatures
According to the Met Office, parts of southern and South East England are likely to meet the heatwave threshold over the weekend. There is a 40 percent chance that temperatures could exceed the highest ever recorded for June, which stands at 35.6 degrees Celsius, set in 1957 and 1976. This follows the record-breaking heat experienced in May.
Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin described the expected temperatures as "pretty unusual even for the middle part of June."
Temperature Forecast by Day
- Friday: East Anglia could see 32 degrees Celsius before the warm air temporarily shifts away.
- Saturday: A potential high of 28 degrees Celsius as the heat eases briefly.
- Sunday: Temperatures rise again, with southern and South East areas reaching 32 degrees Celsius. Some thunderstorms may occur in the South East and East Anglia.
- Monday: Temperatures climb to or beyond 34 degrees Celsius in some locations.
Conditions Compared to May Heatwave
Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson noted that this hot spell may not bring the "wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies" of the May heatwave. Instead, cloud cover and fairly high humidity could make it feel "rather oppressive at times."
Health Impacts and Warnings
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) amber health warning indicates that an "increased demand" is likely to be placed on health and social care services, which could result in a rise in deaths. Those aged 65 and over, as well as individuals with pre-existing health conditions, will be most vulnerable. However, younger age groups may also be affected.
Yellow health alerts have been issued for the East and West Midlands, warning of minor impacts on services.
Water Safety Advice
Samantha Hughes, the national water safety partner at the RNLI, issued a warning: "With warmer weather approaching, it's important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic."
She advised: "If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it's ok if your legs sink – everyone floats differently."
Heatwave Definition
The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding a location-specific heatwave temperature threshold.
During the May heatwave, temperature records were repeatedly broken, with 35.1 degrees Celsius measured at Kew Gardens and 32.9 degrees Celsius at Cardiff's Bute Park. There were 15 deaths in open water across the UK during that period.
