Britain could be set for multiple 'tropical nights' over the next few days, a forecaster has warned, as temperatures might top a sweltering 35C during an 'exceptional' early heatwave. Sweltering summer-like conditions are expected to persist throughout the three-day bank holiday weekend, with heat warnings issued across much of the country. Health officials are bracing for increased hospitalisations and pressure on social care services.
Temperature Forecast
The mercury is expected to rise to 33C by Sunday, while current models estimate a roughly 10% chance that temperatures could climb as high as 35C in southern England. This would make it the warmest May on record, beating the 32.8C recorded across the southeast on May 29, 1944. Temperatures will top 30C for several days in a row in some parts of the country.
Health Alerts
UKHSA amber heat health alerts are currently in effect for the East Midlands, West Midlands, the east of England, London and the South East. The alerts are in place from 2pm on Friday until 5pm next Wednesday, replacing less severe yellow alerts. This means there is likely to be 'a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions' and increased demand on all health and social care services, according to the UKHSA. Yellow alerts will meanwhile be in force across the rest of England.
Expert Commentary
Jim Dale from British Weather Services explained: 'Everything's coming early, and it's going to be a big change. If we see those temperatures, more heat warnings will be pushed out. For people who suffer in the heat, the issue is that with this kind of heat you also get increased humidity, and that's the thing that gets people down more than anything. Tropical nights - meaning it doesn't fall below 20 degrees - are on the cards, and as always, it's going to be places like London, the South East, and into East Anglia. That's what we're looking at, so health warnings are going to be issued, and rightly so.'
He added: 'The other side of the coin is to enjoy it while we've got it, but look over your shoulder, because there's arguably a long way to go this summer. If we're seeing these sorts of temperatures now, imagine what we might see with the right synoptic situation and airflow in July and August. If this were mid-to-late July, we'd probably be looking at an all-time record.'
Public Health Advice
Dr Anya Gopfert, consultant in health protection at UKHSA, said: 'We know that even moderate heat can lead to serious health problems, especially for older people and those with certain health conditions, so it's important that everyone takes simple precautions while enjoying the warm weather over the coming days. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.'
