The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert for several regions, warning of 'dangerously warm' temperatures as the mercury is set to soar to 30C. The alert will be in place from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8pm on Monday, June 22, covering London, the South East, East of England, and the East Midlands.
Heatwave Returns After Cool Spell
Following a period of cooler, wet weather, summer is making a fierce comeback this weekend, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures as high as 30C. The UKHSA has warned of a 'greater risk to life of vulnerable people' due to the extreme heat. Concerns include increased demand on healthcare services, dangerously warm indoor environments, and a heightened risk of water-related incidents.
Regional Breakdown
The yellow alert specifically applies to:
- London
- South East England
- East of England
- East Midlands
The Met Office has cautioned that temperatures across the South East could reach heatwave levels by the weekend. A UKHSA spokesperson stated on Monday, June 15: 'Friday is likely to see very warm, locally hot conditions for south-east and some eastern areas of England, with higher humidity and the chance of a few thunderstorms.'
Uncertainty and Potential for Extended Heat
There is considerable uncertainty regarding the duration of the very warm conditions. A weak weather front moving east into Saturday may bring slightly lower temperatures and fresher conditions. However, if the front stalls toward the South East, very warm or hot conditions could linger across the far south or South East, potentially becoming more extensive into the following week.
Meteorologist Insights
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey warned that climbing temperatures and rising humidity will likely be accompanied by cloudy skies for much of the country. 'By Friday there is potential for 30C across parts of south-eastern England,' he said. He noted that the exact temperatures depend on cloud amounts, as there will be a reasonable amount of cloud around at times, not wall-to-wall sunshine. However, temperatures will rise nonetheless, and it will become increasingly humid, leading to muggy conditions and uncomfortable nights for sleeping, with overnight temperatures in the high teens across south-eastern areas.
Mr Vautrey also mentioned that the West Midlands, parts of the West Country, and areas of Wales are expected to see warm temperatures reaching the mid-teens by the end of the week. In contrast, Scotland and Northern Ireland will experience considerably cloudier conditions and rainfall throughout the week, with temperatures not expected to exceed 20C to 21C.
Full List of Affected Areas
The heat health alert covers the following regions:
- London
- South East
- East of England
- East Midlands
