The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert for the North East, effective from Monday, June 22, until Friday, June 26. The warning highlights that high temperatures could strain health and social care services and pose risks to vulnerable individuals.
Temperatures in the North East
Newcastle is expected to reach 29°C on Tuesday, with unusually warm nights offering little relief. Forecasts indicate temperatures remaining above 20°C late into the evening, with 22°C at 11pm on Tuesday and 20°C at 2am on Wednesday. The hot spell is set to continue with highs of 27°C on Wednesday, 28°C on Thursday, and 26°C on Friday. Humid conditions will make it feel increasingly muggy across the region.
Red Extreme Heat Warning for Other Regions
While the North East remains under a yellow alert, the Met Office has escalated warnings elsewhere. A red extreme heat warning has been issued for six regions, including parts of the East Midlands, East of England, London and the South East, South West England, Wales, and the West Midlands, from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Thursday. The Met Office said temperatures in these areas are increasingly likely to exceed 37°C, with some locations potentially reaching between 38°C and 40°C.
Forecasters warned that the combination of extreme temperatures, high humidity, and exceptionally warm nights could lead to widespread disruption and serious health impacts. The weather service stated: "Significant disruption to daily life is likely and the public should take every effort to make precautions and adapt their daily routines where possible to cope with these levels of heat, which up to now have been extremely rare for the UK."
Amber Warning and Broader Impacts
An updated amber extreme heat warning has also been issued for a wider area from midnight on Wednesday until 11pm on Thursday, covering parts of the North West, Yorkshire and Humber, the Midlands, southern England, and Wales. Met Office meteorologist Simon Partridge said temperatures could reach 34°C in central southern England on Monday before rising to around 37°C on Tuesday across southern England and south-east Wales.
The UKHSA has warned that "significant impacts are possible across health and social care services due to the high temperatures." People are advised to drink plenty of fluids, stay out of direct sunlight where possible, and avoid strenuous exercise between 11am and 3pm. Travellers are urged to check road and rail conditions before setting off, and residents are encouraged to look after elderly neighbours and vulnerable relatives during the hot weather.
Outlook
The Met Office said cooler conditions may begin to develop from the west later in the week, although confidence in the timing of any breakdown remains low.
