The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued four heat health alerts as a mini heatwave is expected to bring temperatures of up to 30°C this week. The 54-hour yellow warning, in effect from 5pm on July 18 to 11pm on July 20, covers London, the South East, East of England, and the East Midlands.
The agency warned of 'minor impacts across the health and social care sector', which could increase the risk of mortality among vulnerable individuals. The alerts are colour-coded from green to red, with yellow indicating that while most people are unlikely to be affected, those who are vulnerable, such as the elderly, may struggle to cope.
Met Office spokesperson Nicola Maxey noted that night-time temperatures could remain in the low 20s Celsius for parts of South East England, classifying them as 'tropical nights' if they do not drop below 20°C. Such conditions can have health implications for the elderly or infirm.
Meanwhile, parts of the UK have already exceeded July's average rainfall despite being only halfway through the month. England recorded 97% of its July average rainfall between July 1 and 15, with London reaching 154% and Dorset 120%. In contrast, Edinburgh has had only 40% and Dundee 33%.
Milder weather is expected to return by Sunday, though there remains uncertainty over how quickly the heat will subside, particularly in the South East.
