A heatwave is set to grip parts of the UK, with temperatures potentially reaching 34C in the South East on Thursday, while a yellow rain warning has been issued for north-west Scotland. The Met Office confirmed that temperatures hit 29C on Saturday, with similar conditions expected on Sunday before rising to 31C on Monday. The South East is likely to officially enter a heatwave by the end of Sunday, according to meteorologist Becky Mitchell.
Yellow Rain Warning for Scotland
A yellow rain warning will come into effect from 5pm on Sunday until 10am on Monday across parts of north-west Scotland. The Met Office warned that 40mm of rain is widely expected, with up to 100mm over the highest ground. This contrast in weather highlights the split conditions across the UK, with the south basking in heat while the north faces potential flooding.
Health Alerts Issued
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering the East Midlands, east, south-east and south-west of England, including London, and the West Midlands. The alerts are in effect from midday on Saturday until 8pm on July 11. The UKHSA warned of minor disruptions to health and social care services, increased demand for healthcare among vulnerable individuals, and an elevated risk to life. It also cautioned about a potential rise in water-related incidents, including cold water shock and drowning.
Record-Breaking Heat
The upcoming heatwave follows a scorching period last month when the UK recorded a provisional June temperature high of 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk, according to the Met Office. This surpassed the previous UK June record of 35.6C, which had stood since 1976, by over 2C. Historically, such records have typically been broken by only a fraction of a degree at a time. The Met Office noted that the current hot spell will not be as intense as last month's heatwave, but it will be prolonged.
Hosepipe Bans Introduced
Southern Water has announced a hosepipe ban from 12.01am on July 10 in Hampshire and on the Isle of Wight. South East Water's temporary hosepipe ban for residents of Kent also came into effect on Friday. These measures aim to conserve water supplies amid the dry and hot conditions.
Overnight Temperatures
Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell said: "This coming night should be quite warm across much of England, temperatures in the mid to high teens. At 1am in the South East of England temperatures will still be around 16 or 17C, further north, you're looking at 14 or 15C, so pretty warm for overnight. It should be quite comfortable for walking home after the match. It's looking quite dry across much of England tonight."
Outlook
Thursday is currently anticipated to represent the peak at 34C in the South East, before gradually easing, though portions of the south are still expected to remain in the low 30s by the close of next week, added Ms Mitchell. The UKHSA's fresh warning follows a scorching heatwave the previous week, during which the Met Office issued an uncommon red alert for extreme heat across certain parts of the country, while the UKHSA simultaneously introduced red heat health warnings.
