Four UK regions have been issued a 'risk to life' warning as temperatures are set to reach up to 32°C over the coming week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has activated yellow alerts across four areas in England, warning of increased danger to vulnerable individuals as the country braces for another heatwave.
Warning Timings and Affected Areas
The warnings come into effect from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, and remain in place until 8pm on Monday, June 22. The affected regions are:
- East Midlands
- East of England
- London
- South East
Forecast Details
The Met Office predicts heatwave conditions across large parts of the UK, with temperatures of 32°C expected on Friday (June 19) in eastern parts of England, potentially climbing to 33°C in the south and southeast by Monday. However, wet and humid weather is forecast for the north and west on Wednesday and into Thursday, with a 'marked north–south split' developing by the end of the week.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson said: 'This week's weather reflects a contrast we often see in summer, with more unsettled conditions passing to the northwest of the UK while heat builds in the south and east. As we move towards the weekend, we'll see conditions become more widely settled and temperatures rise all round. Many parts of southern and eastern England are likely to see temperatures high enough to meet heatwave thresholds.'
Heatwave Definition
In the UK, a heatwave is officially recorded when a location experiences at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold, which ranges from 25°C to 28°C depending on the region.
Potential Thunderstorms and Rain
Despite the heatwave forecast, the Met Office warns that it may not bring 'wall-to-wall sunshine,' with a chance of heavy rain and thunderstorms in many areas. Mr. Wolverson added: 'It's important to note that while temperatures may be high, we might not all see the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies we experienced back in May because there is more cloud around. There is also a chance of thunderstorms developing in places, particularly later each day, which could bring heavy showers and localised impacts.'
Health Risks and Vulnerable Groups
The main risks posed by hot weather include dehydration, overheating, heat exhaustion, and heatstroke. The NHS warns that hot weather can pose significant health risks to vulnerable people, including:
- Older people aged 65 years and over
- Babies and young children aged 5 years and under
- People with underlying health conditions, particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson's disease, or mobility problems
- People on certain medications
- People with serious mental health problems
- People who are already ill and dehydrated (from diarrhoea and vomiting, for example)
- People who experience alcohol or drug dependence
- Runners, cyclists, walkers, or physically active people who spend a lot of time outside
- People who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- People experiencing homelessness
- People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
