Public Health England and the Met Office have issued heatwave health alerts for parts of the UK ahead of temperatures expected to reach 33°C over the August bank holiday weekend. The alerts cover east and south-east England, where there is a 70 per cent chance of heatwave conditions between Saturday and Tuesday.
Britain is on track for its hottest August bank holiday on record, with forecasters predicting 33°C on Monday, surpassing the previous record of 28.2°C. Met Office chief meteorologist Steve Willington said: “We’ve had a fairly wet and windy August so far, however that’s going to change this weekend as we see high temperatures, sunshine and light winds return.”
A spokesman for Public Health England’s Heat Health Watch Service warned: “Heatwaves can be dangerous, especially for the very young or very old or those with chronic disease.” The public is advised to seek guidance from NHS Choices, NHS 111, or local chemists.
RAC spokesman Rod Dennis advised drivers to check tyre pressures and oil and coolant levels before setting out, and to pack water and snacks to avoid ‘carguments’ among hungry and thirsty passengers.
Temperatures will rise gradually, with highs of 23°C today, 25°C tomorrow, and 28°C on Saturday and Sunday. While southern and eastern areas enjoy warm sunshine, northern and western parts will see cloudy, cooler conditions with outbreaks of rain.
