The Met Office has forecast another heatwave for the UK next week, with temperatures potentially reaching 36C in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday, August 13.
Heat to build through the weekend
Temperatures are expected to climb through the weekend, with a "fairly widespread heatwave" likely across large parts of England and Wales. Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend and, more significantly, through much of next week. After a brief dip on Monday, high pressure will move across the UK before settling to the east, allowing a southerly flow to develop."
He added: "A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places. The heat is expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34°C possible in parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales."
Peak temperatures and humidity
East Anglia and south-east England could see even higher temperatures on Thursday. "Humidity levels are also expected to increase through the week, which may make conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight," Silverstone said.
This comes after a summer that has already seen two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June, which led to more than 2,800 excess deaths, and two further heatwaves in July that fuelled drought and wildfires.
Health alert issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow "risk to life" alert for seven areas, from Saturday, August 8, until Tuesday, August 11. The alert covers the East Midlands, East of England, London, South East, South West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and The Humber. The North East and North West are not included.
The UKHSA issues alerts when extreme temperatures are expected to impact health, particularly for elderly or vulnerable people. Minor impacts are likely across health and social care services, including increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, greater risk to life for vulnerable people, increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm, and water-related incidents may increase, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning.
