The North East is forecast to reach 29C this week as the UK braces for a scorching period, with extreme heat warnings and health alerts issued. According to the Met Office, temperatures could exceed 38C in southern parts of England, while the North East will experience humid and muggy conditions.
Heat Health Alert Issued for North East
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert for the North East, in effect from Monday, June 22, to Friday, June 26. The UKHSA warns that "significant impacts are possible across health and social care services due to the high temperatures."
In Newcastle, the Met Office forecasts highs of 24C on Monday, rising to 29C on Tuesday, June 23. Night-time temperatures will also remain high, with Tuesday night expected to be 22C at 11pm and 20C at 2am. Wednesday will see highs of 27C, Thursday 28C, and Friday 26C.
Extreme Amber Warning for Southern England
An extreme amber heat warning has been issued for many southern areas in England. On Monday, central southern England could see highs of up to 34C, climbing to 37C on Tuesday in southern England and south-east Wales, according to Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge. People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm.
Mr Partridge said: "It’s a very unusual, very rare spell of very hot weather, so it’s one of those ones where people should take care, try to keep their houses as cool as possible, check in on those that are vulnerable, so the very young and very old, in particular, are more vulnerable to extreme heat. But everybody will feel this because it will be very hot and the overnight temperatures, in particular, will mean that people won’t be getting as much sleep, probably, as they would usually do, so it will affect everyone."
Potential Impacts on Transport
Mr Partridge added: "There’s also potential for impacts to transport as well. We know that when things get very warm, there can sometimes be issues with railway lines, and even possibility that some roads might not be doing too well. If it gets too warm, you may even see a little bit of tarmac melting at times."
Detailed North East Forecast
Monday: Cloudy, with rain spreading in from the west, at times heavy. Winds generally light, though freshening along coasts during the afternoon. Warm and humid throughout. Maximum temperature 23°C.
Monday night: Rain becoming more isolated through the evening, mainly confined to the north of the region. A band of heavy, perhaps thundery, showers may move north overnight. Minimum temperature 16°C.
Tuesday: Any early heavy, thundery showers soon clearing northeast to leave a dry but mostly cloudy day. Hazy sunshine developing into the afternoon. Very warm. Maximum temperature 28°C.
Outlook for Wednesday to Friday: Mostly dry and sunny. Chance of thundery showers developing later Thursday and continuing into early Friday. Widely very warm, including at night.
