A yellow heat health alert has been issued for parts of England as temperatures are forecast to soar in the coming days. The UK Health Security Agency alert will come into place at 10am on Wednesday and continue until 10am next Tuesday for the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, the South East and the South West.
It comes as the Met Office said temperatures in some parts of the UK could surpass 30C – meeting the criteria for a heatwave – by the end of the week. Temperatures could climb into the low 30s, although the heatwave isn’t expected to see temperatures quite as high as the one experienced at the end of June/early July – but could last longer.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Holley explains: “On Wednesday, temperatures could reach up to 28°C in parts of England, climbing to 30°C on Thursday and 32°C by Friday. By this stage, heatwave criteria are likely to be met in parts of England and Wales, and in parts of Scotland over the weekend.
“High temperatures are likely to persist into the weekend, especially away from coasts with onshore winds, reaching the low 30s in portions of England and Wales, and accompanied by rising humidity and warmer nights.
“This heatwave is likely to last longer than previous ones so far this summer, and affect a wider area, with the focus for some of the highest temperatures displaced across more central and western areas at times. In addition, pollen and UV levels will also be very high in some areas.”
Forecast for London
Today (Tuesday 8th July):
The day began on the cooler side, but sunny spells have developed across most areas. Eastern regions may have seen some early cloud and perhaps a fleeting light shower, but overall, it has become warm and sunny with gentle breezes. Temperatures have reached around 23°C, though up to 25°C in places. Tonight, it will remain dry and mostly clear with light winds, making for a calm night. There may be some patches of low cloud near the coast and some high cloud moving into the west by dawn. Temperatures will dip to around 13°C, with some places potentially cooler, down to 8°C.
Wednesday 9th July:
A warmer day ahead with highs of 26°C. The morning may start cloudy in western parts, but sunshine will spread across the region by the afternoon. A small chance of a light shower may develop in isolated spots later in the day, but overall it will remain dry with light winds.
Thursday 10th July:
A dry and sunny day with highs climbing to 29°C. Some patches of cloud may develop during the afternoon, especially in eastern parts, but these are expected to clear by the evening. It will feel warm and perhaps a little humid.
Friday 11th July:
London will bask in clear sunshine throughout the day under high pressure. Temperatures will soar to around 30°C, with light winds making it feel very warm or hot.
Saturday 12th July:
Another sunny and hot day is expected, with temperatures again reaching 30°C. There’s no mention of cloud or rain, suggesting another dry, settled day with very warm conditions continuing.
Sunday 13th July:
The hottest day in the forecast, reaching 31°C. Expect clear skies and uninterrupted sunshine. It will be very warm, possibly humid, with calm conditions.
Monday 14th July:
The dry, sunny spell continues. Temperatures will stay very warm at 30°C, with high pressure maintaining calm, clear weather. Nights may feel muggy due to the heat building up.
Tuesday 15th July:
A slight dip in temperature brings highs of around 28°C, but it remains dry and sunny. No rain or significant cloud is expected.
Wednesday 16th July:
Still warm and sunny with a high of 27°C. The dry spell continues, and London looks to be holding onto its run of clear, settled weather.
