The Met Office and UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued an amber heat warning for large parts of England and Wales as temperatures are set to soar, with Liverpool expected to reach 37C on Thursday, June 25. This could break the current June record of 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976 and Camden Square in 1957.
Temperature Forecast and Duration
Temperatures will rise rapidly throughout the week. Monday is expected to see highs of 30C, followed by 32C on Tuesday, 33C on Wednesday, and a peak of 37C on Thursday, according to the Met Office. BBC Weather forecasts a slightly lower high of 33C on Thursday but suggests it will feel like 39C. The amber warning for Merseyside comes into effect at midnight on Wednesday, June 24, and lasts until 11:59pm on Thursday, June 25, with temperatures expected to drop to around 27C on Friday.
Areas Affected by the Amber Warning
The amber heat warning covers a wide swathe of England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday. Affected regions include the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England, North West England, South West England, Wales, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and Humber. Specific areas include major cities such as Manchester, Bristol, Cardiff, and Sheffield, as well as numerous counties and unitary authorities. A separate amber warning applies to much of Wales and England on Monday and Tuesday, but Merseyside is not included in that earlier warning.
Health and Infrastructure Impacts
The UKHSA warns that amber alerts indicate significant impacts on health and social care services are likely, including an increase in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with pre-existing health conditions. Younger age groups may also be affected. The Met Office stated: "Population-wide adverse health effects are likely to be experienced, not limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat, leading to potential serious illness or danger to life." Other potential impacts include reduced workforce capacity due to heat, increased water-related incidents such as cold-water shock and drowning, delays and closures on roads, and cancellations or delays to rail and air travel, with possible welfare issues for passengers experiencing moderate delays.
