The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert across much of England, warning of a potential rise in deaths as temperatures are forecast to climb above 30C next week.
The alert, in place from midday Monday until 6pm Wednesday, covers London, Yorkshire and the Humber, the East Midlands, and the east, south-east and south-west of England. The Met Office predicts temperatures could reach the mid-30s in central, southern and eastern areas by Wednesday.
Grahame Madge, a Met Office spokesperson, said temperatures are expected to increase from Sunday, with the heat likely lasting until Tuesday or Wednesday. He noted that parts of the UK could experience another heatwave by mid-week, with the hottest day of the year so far recorded on 1 July at 34.7C in central London.
The UKHSA warned of significant impacts on health and social care services, including a potential increase in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with underlying health conditions. The heatwave threshold is met when a location records at least three consecutive days with maximum temperatures exceeding 25C (28C in London).
