The Met Office has confirmed that Greater Manchester will not experience a heatwave next week, as temperatures are forecast to peak at 24°C, below the regional heatwave threshold of 25°C for three consecutive days. The verdict comes as a yellow heat-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for other parts of England.
Yellow Heat-Health Alert Issued Across England
The UKHSA has issued a yellow heat-health alert covering the East Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, and London from 12:00 PM on Saturday, July 4, until 5:00 PM on Wednesday, July 8. The alert warns of minor impacts on health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare by vulnerable people, greater risk to life for vulnerable individuals, and potential for indoor environments to become very warm. Water-related incidents such as cold-water shock and drowning may also increase.
Temperature Forecast for Greater Manchester
According to the Met Office, temperatures in Greater Manchester are expected to reach the low 20s over the weekend and into next week. The specific forecast shows highs of 22°C on Friday and Saturday, 21°C on Sunday, 22°C on Monday, 21°C on Tuesday, and up to 24°C on Wednesday. To meet the heatwave threshold, the region would need temperatures of 25°C or higher for three consecutive days.
A Met Office spokesperson told the Manchester Evening News: “Temperatures are set to reach the low 20s in Manchester by the end of the weekend and into next week, which would not be high enough to reach the heatwave threshold in the region which is 25°C.” The spokesperson urged the public to monitor the forecast as updates may occur closer to the time.
Context of Recent Heat
The forecast follows a period of record-breaking heat last week, when temperatures in the UK and Europe surpassed 37°C. After a temporary cooldown, high pressure is expected to build over the weekend, bringing dry and sunny conditions to large parts of the country. By Monday, July 6, temperatures could reach 30°C or higher in some areas, but Greater Manchester will remain cooler.
Health Risks and Vulnerable Groups
The NHS warns that hot weather poses significant health risks, including dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. Vulnerable groups include: older people aged 65 and over; babies and young children under 5; people with underlying health conditions such as heart problems, breathing issues, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems; those on certain medications; people with serious mental health conditions; individuals already ill or dehydrated; those with alcohol or drug dependence; runners, cyclists, and physically active people; manual labourers; people experiencing homelessness; and those living alone who may be unable to care for themselves.
Lower Humidity Expected
The Met Office noted that despite the warm spell, it is not expected to feel as hot as last week due to lower humidity. A spokesperson explained: “At this stage, while another period of heat is possible, it is not expected to reach the exceptional levels or humidity experienced during the recent heatwave.”
