The UK is bracing for another heatwave beginning this weekend, with health alerts in place for vulnerable people as temperatures are forecast to soar to 30°C in parts of southern England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a yellow heat health alert covering the East Midlands, east, south-east and south-west England, including London, from midday on Saturday until 5pm on Wednesday. The alert has since been extended to the West Midlands and will now run until next Saturday.
Health Risks and Warnings
The UKHSA warned that the heatwave could bring ‘increased use of healthcare services’ and a ‘greater risk to life’ for vulnerable people. The agency also highlighted ‘increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm’ and that ‘water‑related incidents may increase, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning’.
Temperature Forecast
The Met Office said the likelihood of a return to last week’s ‘unprecedented’ heat is ‘currently low’, but a new period of warm weather is imminent. The previous hot spell broke the record for the hottest June day, set 50 years ago during the infamous 1976 summer, by more than 1°C. After a brief cooler spell, forecasters say conditions are set to heat up again next week, with parts of South East England potentially seeing temperatures of over 30°C. Temperatures in London are expected to reach 31°C by Monday, steadily increasing over the weekend, with lows between 15°C and 20°C. In the north-east of England and eastern Scotland, temperatures could rise to the mid to high 20s. Western areas such as Lancashire, the Lake District, western Scotland and Northern Ireland will be limited to the mid-20s due to an Atlantic breeze acting like a natural air conditioner.
Marine Heatwave and Cold Water Shock Warning
The Met Office reported that surface waters in north-west European seas are currently experiencing moderate to severe marine heatwave conditions. Waters have reached temperatures usually expected in August and are on average 2°C warmer than usual, with some offshore parts of the English and Welsh coasts seeing temperatures 4-5°C warmer locally. Despite the warmer marine temperatures, people are being warned about the risks of cold water shock. Holly Clements, Met Office head of warnings and guidance, said: ‘With warmer weather approaching, and even with marine heatwave conditions, it’s important to remember that the water around the UK is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold-water shock.’ The Met Office advised people to choose an RNLI lifeguarded beach where possible, swim between the red and yellow flags, and call 999 for the coastguard in case of an emergency.
