The Met Office has expanded an amber extreme heat warning as the UK prepares for a heatwave that could bring record-breaking temperatures of up to 38C. The warning, initially issued for Monday and Tuesday, now extends through Thursday, covering most of southern England, central and eastern Wales, much of the Midlands, and later parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire and Cheshire.
Potential Record-Breaking Heat
Forecasters say there is growing confidence that this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature in the UK, which currently stands at 35.6C, recorded in Southampton in 1976. Highs of around 35C are expected in parts of the country, with some areas possibly reaching 38C.
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said: "Temperatures climbing towards the mid-30s in places, that is quite exceptional for June."
Health Alerts and Safety Advice
The amber warning flags potential health impacts for vulnerable people and heat-related issues for the wider population, as well as a possible increase in water safety incidents. Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering most of England from Monday morning until Friday night. A yellow alert is in place for north-east England during the same period.
People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm. Vautrey also warned about water safety: "Water safety as well is going to be paramount if you are by the coast or other water bodies in land... do follow the safety advice of relative authorities in order to avoid the cold water shock."
Europe Also Sweltering
The heatwave is affecting much of Europe, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C in Rome and 39C in Madrid on Monday. In France, highs of 40C are expected on Sunday, with Monday likely to be even hotter. French authorities have imposed public alcohol consumption restrictions and cancelled some outdoor sporting events, while emergency services and military forces are on wildfire alert.
Summer Solstice at Stonehenge
On Sunday morning, more than 20,000 people gathered at Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire to see the sunrise at 4.25am on the longest day of the year, according to English Heritage. Visitors cheered as the sun appeared over the horizon.
The rest of Sunday is expected to be bright and dry for most, except for potential showers in north-east England. Highs of 31C are forecast in London, 27C in Cardiff, and 21C in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Week Ahead
Monday will be a cloudier day overall, with temperatures up to 32C and humidity rising throughout the week. Vautrey noted that central southern regions could see widespread heat-related impacts.
The heat comes after at least 15 people died from getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in May. Samantha Hughes, national water safety partner at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, said: "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."
Employer and Health Advice
The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) has reminded employers to protect workers during the heatwave. NHS England reported that visits to its hay fever advice webpage have more than doubled in the past week. Chief nursing officer Duncan Burton warned: "People should be careful not to double-dose on medication which might make them drowsy, particularly if planning to drive."
On Saturday, the UK's highest temperature of 27.7C was recorded in Writtle, near Chelmsford in Essex.
