The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber health alert for London and most of southern England as temperatures are expected to climb above 30C again this week.
The alert, the second-highest level used by the agency, is active from 9am on Monday, August 3, until 9am on Wednesday, August 5.
Sunday already saw temperatures exceed 30C, and Monday could reach around 33C, according to BBC Weather. The heat is then expected to ease to 28C on Tuesday, with temperatures staying in the mid to late twenties for the rest of the week.
Heatwave definition
If the forecast is confirmed, it would mark another heatwave. In London, a heatwave is officially defined as three or more consecutive days with temperatures reaching 28C or higher.
Health and social care warnings
The UKHSA warned that the high temperatures could have significant impacts on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among people aged 65 and over or those with existing health conditions.
“Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups, likely increased demand on all health and social care services. Internal temperatures in care settings, hospitals and care homes, may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment,” the UKHSA said.
The agency also noted that the heat could affect the ability of the workforce to deliver core services.
Forecast details
Sunday afternoon saw temperatures exceed 30C in the southeast of England, marking the 33rd time that has happened so far this year.
Low pressure to the west of the UK is expected to draw in hot and humid air ahead of a cold front, bringing widespread sunshine and rapidly rising temperatures in the strong August sunshine. The southeast of England in particular may approach the mid-thirties.
Cooler conditions are expected to return by the middle of the week, as fresher air from the Atlantic arrives on Wednesday and Thursday, bringing temperatures back close to the average for the time of year.
