Households across the United Kingdom are being advised to remain indoors between 11am and 3pm until Monday as a new heatwave is forecast to sweep across the country. While June has been relatively cool so far, temperatures are set to rise significantly this weekend.
Heat-Health Alert Issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a Yellow Heat-Health Alert, indicating that temperatures could impact the health and wellbeing of some individuals. The alert covers the East Midlands, East of England, London, and the South-east of England from Wednesday, June 17, and remains in place until Monday.
Saturday is expected to be the hottest day of the weekend, reaching highs of 32°C in parts of southern England. However, heat health alerts remain in force until Monday, with temperatures potentially hitting 30°C on Friday, 30°C on Sunday, and rising to 33°C on Monday.
Safety Recommendations
The UKHSA, NHS, and Met Office recommend the following precautions:
- Stay indoors during the hottest part of the day, between 11am and 3pm.
- Close windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep your home cool.
- Keep doors closed to help maintain a cooler indoor temperature.
- Avoid physical activities during peak heat hours.
- Drink plenty of fluids throughout the day.
If you need to go outside, the UKHSA advises covering up with suitable clothing, wearing a hat and sunglasses, seeking shade, and applying sunscreen regularly. Plan any physical activities, such as exercise or walking the dog, for cooler times of the day like the morning or evening.
Vulnerable Groups
The UKHSA has warned that high temperatures may put vulnerable people at risk, including those aged over 65, individuals with long-term health conditions (such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases), pregnant women, and those who live alone or require assistance to care for themselves.
Dr. Anya Gopfert, consultant in health protection at UKHSA, stated: "We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it's important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days. 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 forecasts and are following the necessary advice."
Met Office Forecast
The Met Office forecast indicates: "Temperatures are expected to climb steadily, with southern parts of England approaching 30°C by Friday, depending on cloud cover, and becoming very warm more widely through the weekend. Some areas in the south and southeast of England are likely to see heatwave criteria met by Saturday and more widely on Sunday, with the potential for temperatures to reach the low 30s in the warmest locations."
Headline maximum temperatures for the period are: 32°C on Friday in East Anglia, 28°C on Saturday as the warmest air temporarily shifts away from the UK, 32°C in the South and South-east of England on Sunday, and the potential for 33°C in the same areas on Monday as warm conditions build again from the South.
