A blazing heatwave is expected to move through extensive areas of the UK, bringing back scorching temperatures. After a period of cooler, rainy weather, summer is poised to return fiercely this weekend, with mercury levels forecasted to reach up to 30C according to the Met Office.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a strong warning of “increased risk to the lives of vulnerable individuals” as a new yellow heat health alert is set to be in effect. This alert will be active from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8pm on Monday, June 22, raising concerns about higher healthcare demands from vulnerable populations, excessively warm indoor environments, and an elevated risk of water-related incidents.
The UKHSA confirmed that the warning will encompass London, the South East, East of England, and the East Midlands. The Met Office has alerted that temperatures in the South East may reach heatwave levels by the upcoming weekend.
According to a spokesperson from UKHSA on Monday, June 15, “Friday is likely to witness very warm, potentially hot conditions for the southeast and certain eastern regions of England, with increased humidity and a chance of isolated thunderstorms.” There is uncertainty regarding the duration of the warm conditions, as a weak weather front moving east into Saturday could bring slightly cooler temperatures and fresher conditions.
However, there is a possibility that the weather front may stall in the South East, allowing warm or hot conditions to persist across or close to the southern or South Eastern areas, potentially extending into the following week.
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey cautioned that rising temperatures and humidity are expected along with cloudy skies for most of the country. Mr. Vautrey mentioned, “There is potential for 30C temperatures across parts of southeastern England by Friday.” He added that the exact temperature details will depend on cloud cover, as there will be periods of cloudiness alongside the warmer weather.
Additionally, Mr. Vautrey highlighted that the West Midlands, sections of the West Country, and parts of Wales are likely to experience warm temperatures in the mid-teens by the end of the week. Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland are anticipated to have notably cloudier conditions and rainfall throughout the week, with temperatures in these regions not expected to exceed 20C to 21C.
