The United Kingdom has officially entered its third heatwave of the year, with the Met Office confirming that temperatures could climb as high as 35°C in some areas later this week. South-east England has already met the heatwave criteria after three consecutive days with temperatures above 28°C, and more regions are expected to reach their local thresholds as the week progresses.
Temperature Forecast and Regional Variations
On Monday, the highest temperature recorded was 34°C in Teddington, south-west London, according to the Met Office. Temperatures are set to rise further, with southern England expecting highs of around 32°C on Tuesday, 33°C on Wednesday, and 34°C on Thursday. Isolated areas could see 35°C on Friday and Saturday. However, a north-south divide will persist through the first half of the week, with Scotland experiencing stronger winds and outbreaks of rain, keeping temperatures closer to the seasonal average. By the weekend, warm air is forecast to reach northern parts of the UK, bringing increasingly humid conditions and a risk of showers or isolated thunderstorms. Early next week, temperatures are likely to fall slightly, though many areas will remain dry and warm.
Health Alerts and Precautions
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts for the Midlands and southern England from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Sunday. These alerts indicate significant impacts on health and social care services, including a potential rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions. Yellow heat health alerts have also been issued for Yorkshire and northern England for the same period, warning of possible significant impacts and an increased risk of water-related incidents, such as cold water shock and drowning.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Steven Keates said: “Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions: the third heatwave in the UK so far this year. However, unlike the May and June heatwaves, we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking. Temperatures this week are not expected to reach the highs we witnessed last month, though parts of southern England in particular are likely to see several days in the low 30s, and a few places could reach 34-35°C later this week.”
Travel and Safety Advice
National Rail Enquiries has urged train passengers to check for updates due to the heatwave, as rail services may be affected. Vehicle breakdown rescue companies are expected to be busier than usual, and drivers are advised to carry plenty of water and conduct essential vehicle checks before setting off, particularly tyre pressures and coolant and oil levels. Tony Rich, a spokesman for the AA on road safety, said: “With temperatures expected to climb into the low 30s across parts of England over the coming days, drivers should take the heat as seriously as they would ice or heavy rain. A few simple checks before setting off can make all the difference. Make sure your tyres are correctly inflated, check your coolant level and carry plenty of drinking water for everyone in the vehicle, including pets. If you’re planning a longer journey, build in regular breaks and try to avoid the hottest part of the day where possible. Should you break down, get yourself and your passengers to a place of safety, ideally behind the safety barrier if there is one, and keep hydrated while waiting for assistance.”
Additional Weather Warnings
The Met Office warned that England could experience “tropical nights” later this week, where temperatures do not fall below 20°C. UV levels are expected to be high or very high across many parts of the UK, and the forecaster advised using sun protection. Pollen levels are also expected to be high or very high in some areas this week.
