The Met Office has issued an amber heat warning for Merseyside, forecasting temperatures to reach a sweltering 34C next week. The warning is in effect from midnight on Wednesday, June 24, through 11:59pm on Thursday, June 25, covering two full days.
Temperature Forecast
Temperatures are expected to peak at 30C on Monday, dip slightly to 29C on Tuesday, then rise to 33C and 34C on Wednesday and Thursday respectively. The region will experience wall-to-wall sunshine for most of the week.
According to the Met Office: "Hot and humid weather is expected to continue through the middle of the week, with exceptionally warm temperatures both day and night." Wednesday night into Thursday will see temperatures remain in the low-to-mid 20s Celsius before heating up quickly in the morning.
Health and Safety Impacts
The amber warning indicates population-wide adverse health effects are likely, not limited to those most vulnerable, potentially leading to serious illness or danger to life. The Met Office advises people to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercise between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest.
Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines are likely required. Heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, with probable loss of power and other essential services such as water, electricity, gas, or mobile phone services.
Travel and Water Safety
Significantly more people are likely to visit coastal areas, lakes, and rivers, increasing the risk of water safety incidents. Delays on roads and road closures are possible, along with delays and cancellations to rail and air travel, with potential for significant welfare issues for those experiencing even moderate delays.
Previous Warnings and Broader Context
The amber warning follows an initial yellow heat warning issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for Merseyside. Across the UK, temperatures could reach up to 38C, with some areas under a four-day heat health warning.
In its outlook for Monday, the Met Office stated: "Mostly dry and bright on Monday with sunny spells for all. The odd isolated shower is again possible in the afternoon. Feeling hot and humid. Maximum temperature 29 °C." For Tuesday to Thursday, it added: "Remaining dry and sunny throughout the period. Feeling hot by day in the strong sunshine and increasingly warm and humid overnight."
