The first yellow heat-health alert of the year has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), as the Met Office forecast temperatures could reach 30C on Friday in the South East.
The alert is currently in place from 9pm on Thursday 12 June to 8am on Sunday 15 June and covers the East of England, East Midlands, London and South East regions. Under UKHSA and the Met Office’s Weather-Health alerting system, a yellow alert means that there could be an increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations.
It may also lead to an increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “Our findings shows that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.’’
London’s weather over the next few days will be warm and humid, with increasing cloud and the risk of heavy, thundery showers developing from Friday onwards. There is a thunderstorm warning in place for London starting Friday afternoon at 3om and into Saturday morning.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Tony Wisson said; “By Friday afternoon and evening, heavy and thundery showers are likely to spread across southeastern England and East Anglia, tracking north-eastwards overnight. There is currently some uncertainty around the exact location and intensity of the thunderstorms, but there is a risk that some areas could see 30 to 50mm of rain, with a risk of even larger accumulations possible.”
Forecast for London
Tonight (Wednesday 11 June):
London will remain dry overnight with largely clear skies, though some high-level cloud may spill in from the southwest, making the evening sunshine appear hazy. It will stay breezy, especially near the coast, and feel quite mild and humid with a low of around 15°C .
Thursday 12 June:
The day will start warm but increasingly cloudy as a band of showers moves in from the west. These may be heavy and possibly thundery. By the afternoon, cloud cover will become patchy, allowing for some sunny spells, although scattered showers will persist. Expect a warm and humid day, with highs around 25°C and lows of 17°C overnight.
Friday 13 June:
A very warm and humid day, with temperatures peaking at 27°C . It will start dry with sunny spells, but conditions will become increasingly unsettled as heavy, potentially thundery showers develop in the afternoon and evening. A yellow weather warning is in place. The night will remain humid, with a low of 17°C . UV levels will be high, pollution low, and pollen levels very high .
Saturday 14 June:
Following a humid night, Saturday will feel noticeably cooler, with highs around 23°C . There will be plenty of sunshine, although further showers are expected, particularly in the afternoon. A yellow warning continues, suggesting some of these showers may be heavy.
Sunday 15 June:
Sunday will see a continuation of similar conditions, with a mix of sunny spells and scattered showers, some of which could be locally heavy. It will remain relatively cool and fresher, with a maximum temperature of 23°C and a low of 14°C .
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