The Met Office has issued an amber heat warning for Merseyside as Liverpool is forecast to reach 37C on Thursday, making it the hottest day of the week. The warning covers Wednesday and Thursday, with temperatures expected to soar across the region.
The week will start with highs of 30C on Monday, with some cloud cover. Tuesday will see wall-to-wall sunshine and a high of 32C. Wednesday, under the heat warning, will be mostly sunny with temperatures reaching 33C. Thursday is predicted to be the hottest day, with the Met Office forecasting 37C, though BBC Weather suggests 33C with possible drizzle, but feeling like 39C.
Health Alerts and Warnings
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued separate amber heat health alerts covering most of England from Monday morning until Friday night. A yellow heat alert is in place for north-east England during the same period. These alerts warn of potential impacts on health and wellbeing.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Tom Crabtree said: "The forecast heatwave is developing into an impactful severe weather event, with record breaking June temperatures and very high humidity. The combination of heat and humidity will be oppressive and bring impacts across society from public health and infrastructure, to power and water supplies."
Crabtree added: "As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20C, which is called a Tropical Night. This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts."
Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected
The current highest June temperature on record is 35.6C, recorded in Southampton in June 1976 and Camden Square in June 1957. The Met Office says it is now likely this record will be broken.
The Met Office warns of population-wide adverse health effects, not limited to the most vulnerable, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life. Substantial changes in working practices and daily routines are likely required. Heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, with probable loss of power, water, gas, or mobile phone services. More people are expected to visit coastal areas, lakes, and rivers, increasing water safety risks. Delays and closures on roads, rail, and air travel are possible, with significant welfare issues for those experiencing delays.
Advice for the Public
People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercise between 11am and 3pm when the sun is at its strongest.
