The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat-health alert for Merseyside, as temperatures are expected to rise across the region next week. The alert will be active from 11am on Monday, June 22, until 11pm on Wednesday, June 24, lasting 60 hours.
Temperature Forecast for Liverpool
Liverpool is not expected to drop below 26C throughout next week, with temperatures gradually increasing. Monday is forecast to reach a high of 29C, while Tuesday is expected to peak at 30C. Wednesday will be slightly cooler with a high of 26C, before temperatures rise again to 30C on Thursday.
The BBC weather forecast for Liverpool between Monday and Wednesday states: "Monday will be a very warm day with sunny spells, areas of cloud and a chance of scattered thundery showers. Tuesday will remain very warm with plenty of sunshine throughout the day. Wednesday looks to start with areas of low cloud but extensive sunshine should develop as the day progresses. It may turn a little less warm."
Amber Warning Extended
The Met Office has updated its amber extreme heat warning, which originally covered most of southern England and southeastern Wales, to now include eastern Wales and much of the Midlands. Most alerts have been in place from 12pm on Thursday, June 18, and will remain until 8pm on Tuesday, June 23.
The alerting system provides early warning when adverse temperatures are likely to impact the health and wellbeing of the population.
Met Office Comments
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates said: "While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and southeast of England over the weekend, with temperatures into the low 30s Celsius possible, the warmth will expand and intensify at the start of next week, which, coupled with high temperatures overnight and high humidity, leads to potential impacts."
He continued: "Temperatures are forecast to reach 32C on Monday, climbing further to 35C on Tuesday and Wednesday. By Thursday temperatures are currently forecast to drop slightly, with a peak of 34C more confined to the southeast of England. Importantly, high humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights, where the temperature doesn't drop below 20C, are also likely for some, especially in urban areas."
Broader Context
The intense warmth across the UK comes as heatwaves have increased in frequency worldwide. Met Office projections indicate that hot spells will become more frequent in our future climate, particularly over the southeast of the UK. Temperatures are projected to rise in all seasons, but the heat would be most intense in summer.
