A yellow heat health alert has been issued across most of England as forecasters warn temperatures could reach 33°C (91°F) this weekend, prompting concerns for vulnerable people and pressure on health services.
The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), will be in effect from 12pm on Wednesday 18 June until 6pm on Sunday 22 June. It covers the majority of the country, with only the North East and North West excluded.
The warning comes as the capital prepares for a stretch of exceptionally hot weather, with the Met Office predicting highs well above the seasonal average for London and the South East. An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three consecutive days, with thresholds varying from 25C to 28C in different parts of the UK.
Temperatures are predicted to reach 27C on Tuesday and Wednesday, 29C on Thursday, 30C by Friday, then 32C on Saturday and peak at 33C on Sunday, the Met Office said.
The yellow alert indicates a medium impact and low likelihood risk level. However, health experts caution that those aged over 65, people with chronic health conditions, and individuals in poorly ventilated environments such as care homes and hospitals are particularly at risk.
According to the UKHSA, the expected heat could lead to:
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An increase in deaths, especially among older or clinically vulnerable people
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Rising demand on health services including GPs and emergency departments
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Overheating in indoor spaces, particularly in care settings and homes without adequate cooling
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Disruption to social care delivery due to heat affecting staff and service users
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: “Heat is the main story this week, with high pressure building and temperatures rising to heatwave levels in some areas by the weekend.
“The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday, with a maximum of 30C in central England. Widespread very warm conditions are expected on Saturday, with a top temperature of 32C. Sunday looks to see the peak of the very warm spell, with a headline max of 33C possible. This is most likely to be in the east of England, with other areas seeing temperatures into the high 20s to low 30 Celsius. Warm, and perhaps even ‘tropical nights’ will also be a feature this week.
“At present, the highest temperature ever recorded in June was 35.6C in Southampton in 1976. The warmest day of the year so far was 29.4C on June 13, recorded at Santon Downham in Suffolk.”
Forecast for London
Tonight (Tuesday Night): Dry with clear skies across the region. Some light cloud, mist or patchy fog may form by dawn, especially in western areas. It will be a mild night, particularly in the east.
Wednesday: A bright and sunny day after any early mist or fog clears. It will stay dry with long spells of sunshine and just occasional patches of cloud. Feeling very warm, especially inland, though slightly cooler near coasts. Maximum temperature in London: up to 28°C.
Thursday: Another dry and settled day with prolonged sunshine under the influence of high pressure. Warm or very warm temperatures are expected, with light winds. Temperatures around 27C.
Friday: Staying fine with plenty of sunshine. Winds may pick up slightly, but temperatures will continue to climb, making it feel hot in places. Temperatures around 27C.
Saturday: A hot day for many, particularly in the southeast. Sunshine will dominate again, though there is a small chance of isolated showers developing later in the day. It may feel breezier in exposed areas. Temperature: locally up to 33C, hottest day of the week.
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