A yellow weather warning has been issued as the UK braces for a third heatwave, with forecasters predicting temperatures could soar above 30C. The Met Office confirmed that temperatures reached 29C on Saturday, with similar highs expected on Sunday and a potential peak of 31C on Monday. A separate yellow warning for rain has also been issued for parts of north-west Scotland.
Health Alerts Activated
A week-long warning from health officials came into force on Saturday, covering parts of the UK. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued yellow heat health alerts for the East Midlands, east of England, south-east, south-west (including London), and the West Midlands. These alerts are in effect from midday on Saturday until 8pm on July 11. The agency warned that high temperatures could increase risks for vulnerable people, including greater use of healthcare services and a higher risk to life. It also highlighted potential water-related incidents, such as cold water shock and drowning.
Temperature Forecast
The Met Office expects temperatures of 29C on Sunday, approaching the low 30s early next week, with a peak of 34C on Thursday in the South East. Meteorologist Becky Mitchell stated: “We’re already in heatwave threshold category in the South East so, by the end of tomorrow, the South East will officially be in a heatwave.” She added that Thursday is currently expected to be the peak, before temperatures slowly decline, though parts of the south will remain in the low 30s at the end of next week. Overnight temperatures will remain warm, with the South East seeing around 16-17C at 1am and northern areas around 14-15C.
Rain Warning in Scotland
A yellow rain warning will come into force in parts of north-west Scotland from 5pm on Sunday until 10am on Monday. The Met Office warned of 40mm of rainfall widely and up to 100mm over the highest ground.
Context of Recent Heatwaves
This heatwave follows a sweltering period last week, during which the Met Office issued a rare red warning for extreme heat and the UKHSA implemented red heat health alerts. The UK set a provisional June temperature record of 37.7C in Lingwood, Norfolk, beating the previous June record of 35.6C from 1976 by more than 2C. The Met Office noted that such records are usually broken by only a fraction of a degree.
Mitchell described the upcoming hot spell as “prolonged” but less intense than last month’s heatwave, which was more humid and hotter.
