UK Weather Forecast: Amber Heat-Health Warnings Issued

The Met Office has said some parts of England are likely to experience heatwave-level temperatures this weekend, rolling into next week.

Temperatures are expected to reach the high 20s across the UK, with the potential for 32°C to be reached in the south of England on Sunday and potentially 34°C or higher on Monday.

The Met Office confirmed conditions will remain “noticeably humid”.

As a result of the hot spell, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has upgraded its heat-health alert to an amber one across southern and eastern England, while a yellow alert has been issued for the Midlands.

The UKHSA warned that rising temperatures may increase health risks, particularly for vulnerable groups, like the elderly.

An amber heat-health alert is now in place for the East of England, South East, South West and London until 8pm on Tuesday 23 June.

A yellow heat-health alert is in place for the West Midlands and East Midlands during this time. Other regions of England are currently unaffected.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, noted periods of warm weather “can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun”.

• Staying hydrated.
• Keeping your home cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun.
• Try to avoid direct sunlight, especially between 11am and 3pm when UV levels are highest. If you do go outside, cover up with suitable clothing, such as an appropriate hat and sunglasses, and seek shade and apply sunscreen regularly.
• if you are going to do a physical activity (for example, exercising or walking the dog), plan to do these during times of the day when it is cooler, such as the morning or evening.
• Brush up on the symptoms of heat exhaustion and heatstroke so you know what to do if you or someone else has them.

In the UK, a heatwave occurs when a location records at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. This threshold can vary from place to place.

Met Office deputy chief forecaster, Gregory Wolverson, said: “Some areas in the south and southeast of England are likely to see heatwave criteria met over the weekend, with the potential for temperatures to reach the low 30s in the warmest locations.”

He suggested there is a “slight chance” that these toasty conditions may carry on deeper into next week as well.

“There is currently a 40% chance of exceeding the current UK June maximum temperature record of 35.6°C, set in 1957 and 1976,” he added.

But while temperatures are estimated to be high – especially in the south – we might not see wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies, as there “may be more cloud around”.

Coupled with high humidity, the forecaster said “it may feel rather oppressive at times”.

There’s also a chance of thunderstorms in some areas, which could bring heavy downpours.