Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for six regions in England as temperatures are forecast to reach 30C, posing a risk to vulnerable people. The alerts are in place from 9am on Friday until 9am on Sunday for the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West and West Midlands.
Dry conditions and water restrictions
Many parts of England are experiencing prolonged dry weather, with the country receiving just 3% of its average July rainfall. Hosepipe bans are in place for 23 million customers, and suppliers have warned they may remain in force all summer. Wildfires have been reported in several locations in England, while Scotland has seen a major wildfire in the Cairngorms. In the Republic of Ireland, a nationwide hosepipe ban has been implemented.
Temperature forecast and drought declaration
Temperatures in the affected areas are expected to reach the mid to high 20s, with a possibility of 30C. The UK Health Security Agency issued the heat health warning as drought was declared in North Wales and the Upper Severn following record dry conditions, heatwaves, wildfires and low river levels. This is the first drought declaration in the UK this summer.
Impacts and travel
Minor impacts are expected across health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, greater risk to life for vulnerable individuals, potential for indoor environments to become very warm, and an increase in water-related incidents such as cold-water shock and drowning. The Met Office noted that temperatures could reach 30C in parts of South East England on Friday, while Scotland and Northern Ireland will see patches of cloud. Forecaster Craig Snell said outbreaks of rain will move southwards on Saturday, spreading from Scotland and Northern Ireland into northern England and parts of Wales. By Sunday, temperatures are expected to turn fresher, with rain possible in areas that have seen little rainfall recently.
The heat alerts coincide with a busy travel period, as millions of motorists are expected to take to the roads for summer getaways. The AA reported that around 6.3 million drivers are planning a road trip of more than 100 miles between Friday and Thursday. The Port of Dover is anticipating another busy weekend but has taken steps to mitigate delays caused by new EU border checks.
