The Met Office has expanded an extreme heat warning as the UK braces for a heatwave that could see temperatures soar to a record-breaking 38C. Forecasters say the baking heat could last until at least Thursday, prompting health alerts and concerns for vulnerable people.
Potential Record-Breaking Temperatures
There is growing confidence that this week could break the record for the hottest June temperature in the UK, which currently stands at 35.6C, set in 1976 in Southampton. The coming days will bring humid conditions and potentially tropical nights, where overnight temperatures do not fall below 20C, making it feel muggier than last month's heatwave, according to the Met Office.
Expanded Amber Warning
On Sunday, the amber extreme heat warning was expanded to cover Monday through Thursday. The alert flags potential health impacts for vulnerable people and the wider population, as well as a possible increase in water safety incidents. Monday and Tuesday's warning covers most of southern England, central and eastern Wales, and much of the Midlands. Wednesday and Thursday's alert also includes parts of Greater Manchester, Yorkshire, and Cheshire.
People in the alert area are advised to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm. The Met Office warned that substantial changes to working and daily routines will likely be required, and disruptions to road, air, and rail travel should be expected.
Expert Warnings and Advice
Met Office meteorologist Simon 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." He added that the heat will affect everyone, particularly due to high overnight temperatures that may disrupt sleep.
Partridge also highlighted potential transport impacts, including issues with railway lines and possible melting of tarmac on roads. The hottest areas are expected to be between Bristol and London and south of the M4, with most of England and Wales seeing temperatures above 30C.
Health Alerts and Safety Concerns
Separate amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), covering most of England from Monday morning until Friday night. A yellow heat alert is in place for north-east England during the same period. Partridge urged caution around bodies of water, noting that several people lost their lives due to cold water shock during the last heatwave. He advised using a hose pipe to cool down instead of jumping into open water.
Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, warned people to be careful with medication for hay fever, as visits to NHS England's hay fever advice page have more than doubled in the past week. He said: "People should be careful not to double-dose on medication which might make them drowsy, particularly if planning to drive."
European Heatwave and Climate Context
Europe is also sweltering under the heatwave, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C in Rome and 39C in Madrid on Monday. In France, highs of 40C are expected, with emergency services and military forces on wildfire alert. Partridge noted that very hot spells are becoming more frequent due to climate change, saying: "This is the second heatwave of this year already, so it just shows that the warming climate means that these more extreme spells are becoming more frequent."
Summer Solstice Celebrations
On Sunday morning, more than 20,000 people gathered at Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire to see the sunrise on the longest day of the year, according to English Heritage. Visitors cheered as the sun rose over the misty horizon. Highs of 31C are forecast in London, 27C in Cardiff, and 21C in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
The heat comes after at least 15 people died from 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."
