A second amber heat health alert has been issued in as many weeks, with temperatures again set to pass 30C over the weekend. The alert, which covers London, the East Midlands, South East, South West and East of England, starts at midday on Friday and will last until 6pm on Tuesday.
A further heatwave building from the weekend and peaking into the early part of next week is likely to bring the highest temperatures of the year so far to the UK. Monday could see temperatures of 34C in London, according to the Met Office.
From Thursday and Friday, temperatures will steadily rise, with highs potentially reaching 28C in the south and east by Friday. An amber alert was previously issued for all regions in England on June 19, the first time it had been used since September 2023.
On the same day the UK recorded its warmest day of the year so far, with temperatures reaching 32.2C in Kew, west London, before heatwaves were declared across England and Wales.
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. Thunderstorms are possible with warm, humid air set to linger in the south and east on Thursday.
Mike Silverstone is a Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office. He said: “Higher temperatures building over the weekend and into early next week will bring particularly warm, hot or even very hot conditions for some, especially in the southeast and East Anglia and more locally elsewhere in England and east Wales. This in part will be influenced by a heatwave developing across western Europe.”
Mike added: “By the weekend, an area of high pressure will be intensifying and dominating the UK forecast. Conditions will be hottest in the south and east while areas further north and northwest will be relatively cooler.”
The National Pharmacy Association (NCA) has advised patients to store their medicine away from heat zones and direct sunlight, warning that they can lose effectiveness or cause unwanted side effects.
Vice-chairwoman and pharmacist Sukhi Basra said: “It’s important we take sensible precautions, including double-checking that your medication is stored correctly in a cool dry place, as per any storage instructions, ideally below 25C, as well drinking plenty of fluids and keeping your homes cool in the hottest hours of the day.
“We know the hot weather can be more of a challenge for older people or those with certain health conditions and it’s important people check on vulnerable friends, family and neighbours during this period.
“If anyone has concerns at all about their health or their medication, please speak to your local pharmacy, who will be well placed to help.”
Forecast for London
Today: Largely dry and bright at first but cloud will soon spread in from the west, bringing a few spots of rain or light showers. Showers clearing east by early afternoon, followed by sunny spells. Breezy throughout, but feeling warm. Maximum temperature 25 °C. Tonight, breezy and mostly cloudy during the evening with the odd light shower, gradually clearing to calmer conditions and clearer skies after midnight. Minimum temperature 12 °C.
Friday: Breezy and dry with variable cloud cover and extended periods of hazy sunshine. Becoming very warm through the day. Maximum temperature 28 °C.
Outlook for Saturday to Monday: Breezy with sunny spells and the odd afternoon shower on Saturday. Some lighter winds and an increased chance of sunshine Sunday and Monday. Highs of 31C on Sunday and 34C on Monday.
