The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a new yellow heat health alert for London, effective from 12pm on Saturday until 5pm on Wednesday, as the Met Office forecasts an eight-day heatwave. The alert also covers the East Midlands, east of England, south-east and south-west England.
Temperature Forecast
According to the Met Office, temperatures in London are expected to reach 28°C on Saturday, 29°C on Sunday, 31°C next Monday, and 30°C next Tuesday. The BBC’s longer-term forecast suggests the hot spell will persist throughout next week, with highs of 30°C on Wednesday, 32°C on Thursday, 31°C on Friday, and 29°C on Saturday. This would mark an eight-day heatwave for the capital.
Impact and Warnings
Despite the high temperatures, Tony Wisson, Met Office deputy chief forecaster, noted: “Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low.” The UKHSA warned that within the alert area, minor impacts are likely across health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and a greater risk to life for that group. The agency also highlighted a potential increase in water-related incidents, such as cold water shock and drowning.
Context and Previous Heatwave
This alert follows a sweltering heatwave last week, during which the Met Office issued a rare red warning for extreme heat in parts of the country, and the UKHSA implemented red heat health alerts. The Met Office confirmed that June 2023 was the hottest June on record for England, with a provisional temperature record of 37.7°C set on Friday—higher than initially thought. An official heatwave in London is declared when temperatures reach at least 28°C on three consecutive days.
