The UK is bracing for another heatwave with temperatures set to soar to 34C, bringing tropical nights and potential travel disruption. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts covering London, the South East, South West, East of England, and the East and West Midlands until Saturday.
Heatwave Details
According to the Met Office, the heatwave will affect parts of southern England and Wales. Meteorologist Becky Mitchell stated: 'We have got a heatwave on the way across parts of southern England and Wales. Temperatures are already quite high across the south-east today. We could get 28C in London.' She added that northern areas will be cloudier with spells of rain, creating a north-south split.
The peak of the heat is expected on Thursday or Friday, with 34C in the south-east. Mitchell noted: 'By comparison to the heatwave we saw in June, this heatwave won't be as hot and humid, but it will be a prolonged spell of hot weather which lasts around a week.'
Tropical Nights and Travel Disruption
London and large parts of the south face a week of tropical nights, with temperatures staying above 20C even after dusk until at least Saturday. National Rail has warned of potential disruption on the railways, as heat can cause overhead lines to expand and sag, line-side fires, and rails to buckle.
The June heatwave saw most train companies cut timetables and trains break down. National Rail stated: 'The forecast weather may cause trains to be disrupted. Heat can cause overhead lines to expand and sag, line-side fires and also rails to buckle.'
Health Alerts and Risks
The yellow heat health alerts indicate that soaring temperatures could cause a higher risk to life for vulnerable people and have a minor impact on health and social care services due to increased demand. The UKHSA advises taking precautions, especially for the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions.
This week's heatwave follows a June scorcher that saw a provisional new record high of 37.7C at Lingwood, Strumpshaw Hill on June 26. That heatwave prompted a rare extreme heat warning for large parts of England.
The Met Office's Becky Mitchell added: 'The peak of the heat appears to be Thursday or Friday: 34C in the south-east. By comparison to the heatwave we saw in June, this heatwave won't be as hot and humid, but it will be a prolonged spell of hot weather which lasts around a week.'
