The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for parts of the UK next week, as a new heatwave could see temperatures climb up to 34C. The warning was posted for Monday and Tuesday for London, the east and south-east of England, and parts of the south-west of England and Wales.
Potential Health Impacts
The warning means there are potential health impacts for people vulnerable to extreme heat and heat-related issues for the wider population, and a possible increase in water safety incidents, the forecaster said. The warning, which differs from amber heat health alerts issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), comes as another heatwave is expected to sweep parts of the UK during the weekend and early next week.
Temperature Forecast
Areas in southern and eastern England are likely to meet the heatwave threshold during the weekend, and there is a 40% chance of exceeding the highest ever temperature for June, which is 35.6C set in 1957 and 1976, the Met Office said. East Anglia could record 32C on Friday before the hot spell temporarily shifts away from the UK, leaving Saturday with a potential high of 28C. But temperatures are set to rise again from Sunday, as some areas in the south and south-east of England are forecast to reach 32C on Sunday and then push up to 34C on Monday for some.
Amber Heat Health Alerts
Amber heat health alerts were previously posted by the UKHSA for the east, south-east and south-west of England, as well as London, from 12pm on Thursday until 8pm on Tuesday.
Greg Wolverson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and south-east of England over the weekend, with temperatures into the low 30sC possible, the warmth will expand and intensify at the start of next week, which, coupled with high temperatures overnight, leads to potential impacts. Temperatures will peak around the mid-30sC on Monday and Tuesday. The humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights – where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20C – are also likely for some.”
The warmth may bring some thundery downpours for some on Monday and Tuesday, though these should be “fairly isolated”, the Met Office said. The very high temperatures could continue across a smaller part of the country into the middle of the week, but this remains uncertain for now, the forecaster added.
Safety Advice
Ahead of the heatwave, the Met Office issued advice on how to keep safe in extreme temperatures, including staying hydrated, avoiding any exercise between 11am and 3pm when the sun is strongest, closing curtains in rooms that face the sun and wearing sunscreen and a hat when outside. It also said people heading to coastal areas, lakes or rivers should be mindful that sea surface temperatures are not as high as they would be in midsummer.
At least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in May. Samantha Hughes, National Water Safety Partner at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, said: “With warmer weather approaching, it’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic. If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s OK if your legs sink — everyone floats differently. Where possible, always choose a lifeguarded beach, and swim between the red and yellow flags. In a coastal emergency remember to call 999 for the coastguard.”
