UK Braces for Another Heatwave After Record-Breaking June
The Met Office has issued a warning about upcoming heatwaves after last week's record-breaking temperatures. Heat records were smashed on three consecutive days last week, with a new provisional June daily maximum temperature of 37.7°C recorded at Lingwood in Norfolk. Wales saw 35.9°C at Cardiff Bute Park, and Northern Ireland matched its previous record of 30.8°C.
The Met Office noted that the 37.7°C figure surpasses any June temperature recorded during the 20th century, highlighting how today's extremes are reaching new levels.
Warm Nights and High Humidity Add to Heat Stress
During last week's heatwave, temperatures did not cool down much at night. The UK recorded a new high daily minimum temperature of 23.5°C, alongside similarly elevated values across England and Northern Ireland. Warm nights prevent buildings from cooling, increasing heat stress, especially as most UK homes lack air conditioning. Four nights last week saw temperatures remain above 22°C somewhere in the UK. The Met Office said this increasing frequency of very warm nights is a key feature of recent heatwaves and contributes significantly to their overall impact.
The recent heatwave was also characterised by high humidity, making conditions feel more oppressive. Unusually high dew point and wet bulb temperatures reduced the body's ability to cool itself through sweating.
Yellow Heat-Health Alerts Issued for Five Areas
Although the UK has cooled down this week, the Met Office has warned that temperatures are set to climb again over the weekend, reaching as high as 30°C in the coming days. The forecast has led to the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) triggering a yellow heat-health alert across five UK areas: East Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, and London. The alert is in effect from 12PM on Saturday, July 4, to 5PM on Wednesday, July 8.
The UKHSA says that due to the forecast temperatures, minor impacts across health and social care services are likely, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, greater risk to life for vulnerable individuals, increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm, and a possible increase in water-related incidents, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning.
Upcoming Heat May Be Less Extreme but Persist Longer
Looking ahead, the Met Office has warned that although upcoming heat is likely to be less extreme than the recent spell, it could persist for longer. The Met Office stated: "There are early indications that further warm or hot weather may develop during the coming weeks, though uncertainty remains over the exact intensity and extent. Current signals suggest that any upcoming heat is likely to be less extreme than the recent spell but could persist for longer."
