An amber heat health warning has been issued for London as temperatures are forecast to exceed 30°C in the second heatwave of the year. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued alerts for parts of England, including London, the East of England, South East, and South West, until Tuesday evening.
Temperatures are expected to reach 34°C in the capital and 35°C at Heathrow Airport on Tuesday. According to BBC Weather, the mercury will hit 29°C on Friday, rise to 32°C on Monday, peak at 34°C on Tuesday, then fall to 30°C on Sunday before cooling further. Forecasters predict seven or more days of sweltering heat of at least 30°C.
Londoners should brace for two tropical nights, with Monday night temperatures not dropping below 22°C and Tuesday night expected to be even warmer, with 28°C forecast as late as 10pm. A tropical night is defined as a night when the temperature does not fall below 20°C. The capital experienced its first tropical night of the year during May's record-breaking heatwave.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, urged precautions: “Sustained periods of warm weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults. We are urging health and social care services to be prepared and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives and those with underlying health conditions.”
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson noted a contrast in weather patterns, with more unsettled conditions in the northwest while heat builds in the south and east. Last week, the mayor's office warned that middle-aged Londoners aged 45-65 face the same risk of dying in a heatwave as those aged 65 and over, highlighting the need for preparedness.
