The UK heatwave, which has seen record-breaking temperatures, is expected to ease slightly over the weekend, but the Met Office has extended a red weather warning for extreme heat until 9pm on Friday, June 26. The warning, originally due to end Thursday, was prolonged as temperatures remain dangerously high.
After the red warning expires, an amber warning will cover much of the south east, East Anglia, and parts of the Midlands until 9pm on Saturday. Temperatures are forecast to drop from a high of 37°C on Friday to 32°C on Saturday, with a more noticeable fall to 26°C on Sunday, accompanied by cloud cover.
The Met Office stated: 'Thursday will see the peak of the heat for many, though those further east will retain extreme heat on Friday and Saturday.' Next week is expected to bring a return to more average temperatures, with a mix of wind and rain, particularly in the North West.
The heatwave is driven by a 'heat dome'—a high-pressure system that compresses and warms air, drawing in warm air from the south and east. Humidity levels are higher than in previous extreme heat events, making it harder for the body to cool down through sweating.
The extreme weather has renewed calls for better heat preparedness in the UK, including cooling in hospitals and care homes. The Royal College of Physicians reported severe pressure on healthcare workers, with few settings having air conditioning and some cancer treatment machines failing due to the heat.
