London is set to swelter in heatwave temperatures above 30C this week, with forecasters predicting the hot weather will peak on Wednesday, July 29. The capital could see temperatures rise as high as 35C, marking the fourth heatwave in London this year.
Previous Heatwaves and Health Alert
A record-breaking May temperature of 35.1C was recorded in Kew Gardens, followed by another hot blast in June with 36C, and a third lasting 13 days in July. A yellow heat alert has been issued from 9am on Tuesday to 9am on Friday for London and other parts of England.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warned of possible “significant impacts” on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths among the elderly or people with health conditions, and an increase in drownings.
This Week's Forecast
On Monday, temperatures are expected to stay fresher after a slightly cooler weekend, with the Met Office forecasting a high of 25C. Temperatures will pick up sharply, with 29C expected on Tuesday and 33C on Wednesday.
Forecasters expect a north-south split, with clouds and rain continuing in Northern Ireland, Scotland and northern England. But the peak will be “almost a blink and you miss it”, with temperatures cooling close to average by the weekend, said senior Met Office meteorologist Dan Stroud.
Drought and Hosepipe Ban
A hosepipe ban continues in London, affecting 10 million Thames Water customers across the South East. Drought has been declared in North Wales and the Upper Severn following record dry conditions, heatwaves, wildfires and dwindling rivers.
Many parts of England are in prolonged dry weather status, with the country receiving just 3% of its average July rainfall. Hosepipe bans are in place for 23 million customers, with suppliers warning they may stay in place all summer. Wildfires have been raging in several places in England, while Scotland faced a major wildfire in the Cairngorms, and the Republic of Ireland has a nationwide hosepipe ban.
