The Met Office has expanded an amber extreme heat warning to cover Monday through Thursday as the UK braces for a heatwave that could see temperatures reach a record-breaking 38C. Forecasters have said there is "growing confidence" that this week could surpass the highest June temperature of 35.6C, set in 1976 in Southampton.
Warning Areas and Health Impacts
On Sunday, the amber warning was extended to last from Monday until Thursday. 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. The Met Office advises people to drink plenty of fluids, keep out of the sun, and avoid exercising between 11am and 3pm.
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 UKHSA yellow heat alert is also in place for north-east England during the same period.
Expert Warnings
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey said in an online forecast: "I’m sure many of us will be wanting to get outside and enjoying some of this heat, but it certainly is worth taking care as we could see some impacts around. Water safety as well is going to be paramount if you are by the coast or other water bodies in land as well, and do follow the safety advice of relative authorities in order to avoid the cold water shock when you are heading into any water areas."
Vautrey added that Monday will be a "cloudier day overall," with temperatures expected to reach up to 32C and humidity rising throughout the week. "It’s particularly across central southern regions, where we have an extreme heat warning, an amber extreme heat warning issued, where we could see quite widely amongst the population some heat-related impacts throughout the week," he said. "Temperatures climbing towards the mid-30s in places, that is quite exceptional for June."
European Heatwave
Europe is also sweltering, with temperatures forecast to hit 37C in Rome and 39C in Madrid on Monday. In France, highs of 40C are expected on Sunday, with Monday likely even hotter. French authorities have imposed public alcohol consumption restrictions and cancelled some outdoor sporting events, while emergency services and military forces are on wildfire alert.
Longest Day Celebrations
On Sunday morning, more than 20,000 people gathered at Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire to see the sunrise at 4.25am on the longest day of the year, according to English Heritage. Visitors cheered as the sun peeked over the horizon. The rest of the day is expected to be bright and dry for most, except for potential showers in north-east England. Highs of 31C are forecast in London, 27C in Cardiff, and 21C in Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Water Safety Concerns
The heat comes after 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."
Workplace and Health Advice
After the heat health alerts, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) said employers must ensure workers are protected while maintaining productivity. On Sunday, NHS England reported that visits to its hay fever advice webpage more than doubled in the past week due to hotter weather. Duncan Burton, chief nursing officer for England, warned: "People should be careful not to double-dose on medication which might make them drowsy, particularly if planning to drive."
On Saturday, the UK’s highest temperature of 27.7C was recorded in Writtle, near Chelmsford in Essex.
