The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat health alert for much of England, with temperatures expected to exceed 30°C (86°F) over the weekend. The alert covers London, the East Midlands, and the south-west, south-east and east of England, coming into force at midday on Friday and lasting until 6pm on Tuesday.
A yellow alert has also been issued for Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands. The UKHSA alert system, developed with the Met Office, provides early warnings about weather-related health risks. An amber alert, the second highest level, indicates that hot weather is likely to be felt across the whole health service, potentially having a significant impact on health and social care services.
This follows a previous amber alert on 19 June, when temperatures reached 32.2°C in Kew, west London, leading to official heatwave declarations across England and Wales. On Thursday, parts of eastern England are forecast to reach 27°C, with possible thunderstorms in the south and east due to lingering warm, humid air.
Met Office meteorologist Honor Criswick noted that while Thursday may start unsettled with heavy rain in Scotland, brighter spells will return by the afternoon, bringing a fresher feel. Temperatures are expected to climb again before the weekend, with highs of up to 28°C in southern and eastern parts by Friday, while western regions may see heavy rain. However, Criswick warned that low pressure is never far behind, with rain expected to finish the week and continue into the weekend.
Scientists say the climate crisis is making heatwaves more frequent and intense, particularly during early summer.
