The Met Office has warned that the UK could be hit with thunderstorms over the coming days as the country continues to be gripped by a baking heatwave. It comes as the whole of England has been hit with yellow and amber UKHSA heat-health alerts as temperatures are set to soar as high as 36C during the third heatwave of the year. High UV and pollen warnings have also been issued, with officials urging people to stay out of the sun at the hottest time, wear sun cream and stay hydrated.
Regional temperature forecasts
Greater Manchester is forecast to reach highs of 32C on Friday, 29C on Saturday, 27C on Sunday and Monday, 29C on Tuesday and 28C on Wednesday and Thursday. The Met Office has said that while conditions are set to gradually reduce, the heatwave could persist for a 'prolonged period'. And now, the UK weather agency has warned of the risk of thunderstorms next week.
Long-range forecast details
In the Met Office's long-range forecast which covers the period between July 14 and 23, the UK weather agency says: "There will, however, be a risk of thunderstorms spreading into the south of the UK from France at times." It adds: "Through the weekend potentially turning more unsettled with some rain or showers and thunderstorms at times as low pressure and a more northerly wind affect the UK at times." The Met Office continues by saying that the country will remain 'warm or very warm, perhaps hot at times'. It reads: "Temperatures will be warm or very warm for most, perhaps hot at times in the southwest initially, likely easing to warm or near average into the weekend, though further hot spells possible between systems."
Heat-health alert zones
Amber heat-health alerts are in place across the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South West and South East. Just north east England remains under a yellow alert. The warnings are set to remain in place until 9pm on Saturday, July 11. The UKHSA issues an amber heat-health alert when significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including: a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions; likely increased demand on all health and social care services; internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment; the heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services; indoor environments overheating increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings; issues managing medicines; staffing issues due to external factors; increased demand for power exceeding capacity; other sectors starting to observe impacts; and water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning.
Health advice from officials
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: "Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious negative health outcomes across the population, so it is important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. Based on the current forecast, we don’t currently expect the health impacts to be as high as the heatwave we saw at the end of June but older adults and those with pre-existing conditions are still at risk. 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 forecast and are following the necessary advice. Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are effective ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather."
