Amber heat warnings have been issued across southern England as a second heatwave in three weeks approaches. Temperatures are forecast to reach 30C on Friday, rising to 32C on Sunday and 34C on Monday. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health warnings for eastern England, London, the south-east, and the south-west from Thursday morning until Tuesday evening. Yellow alerts are also in place for the East and West Midlands.
Temperature Forecast
The Met Office reports that some areas in southern England may meet heatwave criteria by Saturday, with more widespread conditions by Sunday. A heatwave is defined as three consecutive days of temperatures exceeding a threshold, which ranges from 25C to 28C across England. The hottest temperatures are expected on Friday in East Anglia at 32C, with similar highs in the south and south-east on Sunday, potentially reaching 34C on Monday.
Regional Differences
While southern England swelters, the rest of the UK will experience cooler weather. Glasgow, for example, is expected to be eight or nine degrees cooler than London. The climate crisis is increasing the likelihood of such extreme heat events, with the UN climate chief describing May's heatwaves across Europe as a 'brutal reminder' of the escalating impacts.
Gregory Wolverson, the Met Office's deputy chief forecaster, noted a contrast in summer weather patterns, with unsettled conditions in the north-west and heat building in the south and east. He added that there is a 40% chance of exceeding the current UK June maximum temperature record of 35.6C, set in 1957 and 1976.
Health and Safety Advice
Wolverson warned that cloudy conditions and high humidity could make the heat feel 'rather oppressive', with a chance of thunderstorms. The Met Office reiterated water safety advice after 16 deaths during the May heatwave. They reminded the public that the sea remains cold at this time of year, posing a risk of cold-water shock below 15C. They also advised awareness of strong currents and hidden obstacles, to swim only with others, and to float on their backs if in trouble.
Samantha Hughes, national water safety partner at the RNLI, urged people to 'Float to Live' by tilting their head back, relaxing, and controlling breathing. She recommended choosing lifeguarded beaches and swimming between red and yellow flags. In coastal emergencies, call 999 for the coastguard.
