The United Kingdom is preparing for a significant heatwave as the Met Office forecasts temperatures soaring up to 33 degrees Celsius in the coming days. In response, health authorities have issued a series of amber and yellow heat-health alerts, warning of increased risks for elderly and vulnerable individuals.
Heat-Health Alerts in Place
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has implemented amber alerts for the East of England, London, the South East, and the South West. Yellow alerts are active in the East and West Midlands. These alerts will be in effect from 12pm on Thursday, 18 June until 8pm on Tuesday, 23 June.
According to the Met Office, maximum temperatures are expected to reach 32C on Friday in East Anglia, 28C on Saturday, and 32C in the south and southeast of England on Sunday. Monday could see temperatures climb to 33C in the same regions.
Deputy Chief Forecaster's Comments
Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson noted, "This week's weather reflects a contrast we often see in summer, with more unsettled conditions passing to the northwest of the UK while heat builds in the south and east. As we move towards the weekend, conditions will become more widely settled and temperatures will rise. Many parts of southern and eastern England are likely to see temperatures high enough to meet heatwave thresholds." He added that while temperatures may be high, there may be more cloud cover compared to the sunny spells experienced in May.
Thunderstorm and Hay Fever Warnings
The Met Office has also warned of potential thunderstorms, particularly later in the day, which could bring heavy showers. Additionally, hay fever sufferers should brace for severe symptoms as eight red 'very high' pollen alerts have been issued. The Met Office's five-day pollen forecast ranks levels from low to very high to help those affected by allergies.
Over 10 million Brits suffer from hay fever, an allergy to airborne pollen particles released by plants, typically worst between March and November. Different types of pollen, such as grass, weed, and tree, can trigger reactions.
Full List of Red 'Very High' Pollen Alerts
Pollen levels are set to rise, with three UK areas affected by red 'very high' warnings on Friday, 19 June: the East Midlands, East of England, and London and South East England.
By Saturday, 20 June, the South West England and West Midlands are upgraded from 'high' to 'very high'. These areas are joined by North West England and Wales on Sunday, 21 June.
Detailed Breakdown by Day
- Friday 19 June: East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England
- Saturday 20 June: East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, South West England, West Midlands
- Sunday 21 June: East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, South West England, West Midlands, North West England, Wales
- Monday 22 June: East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, South West England, West Midlands, North West England, Wales, Northern Ireland
- Tuesday 23 June: East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, South West England, West Midlands, North West England, Wales, Yorkshire and Humber
Residents are advised to take precautions against the heat and high pollen levels, including staying hydrated, avoiding peak sun hours, and keeping windows closed during high pollen times.
