The North East is set to endure another scorching weekend as the ongoing heatwave continues, with temperatures reaching up to 32°C on Friday and a chance of thunderstorms. The Met Office has issued a forecast indicating that while the extreme heat persists, conditions may ease slightly by the start of next week.
Temperature Outlook for the North East
Temperature maps have lit up red, with much of the North East not dropping below 22°C for the rest of the week. Further south, temperatures are expected to exceed 36°C, with some areas reaching 40°C, prompting a rare red weather warning for extreme heat in southern England.
The Met Office's forecast for the North East states: "The extreme heat continues, with temperatures easing towards the weekend." From Thursday to Friday, the weather is expected to be "generally sunny and warm or very warm inland, but breezier than recently, especially along the coast where low cloud may develop at times. Temperatures will be slightly cooler than in recent days, especially along coastal areas."
Thunderstorm Risk and Weekend Forecast
Another warm night is expected, particularly in large towns and cities, with humid conditions persisting. Some largely clear skies are forecast, but there is a chance of showers or thundery outbreaks around dawn on Friday. The Met Office adds: "Outbreaks of rain soon clearing into the North Sea, leading to another very warm or hot day. Sunny spells and showers otherwise, heavy and potentially thundery in the afternoon."
The maximum temperature in the North East on Friday is a scorching 32°C. The outlook for Saturday to Monday is slightly milder, though it is estimated to be "still very warm on Saturday, with a chance of showers or thunderstorms. Breezy with outbreaks of rain pushing east on Sunday, cooler." The hot weather will finally break by the start of next week, with "sunny spells and isolated showers on Monday."
Health Impacts and Warnings
The heat health warning ends on Friday evening at 11pm, but the warm weather will linger for a short while over the weekend. In the meantime, people should be aware that the health alert means that health and social care services will be under strain from the intense heat and the influx of people seeking help. Extreme heat triggers a rise in sunstroke and dehydration, which can be serious or even deadly if not treated properly. In addition, health services will likely be dealing with an influx of patients from water-related incidents, which commonly increase in hot weather.
The North East is thankfully not facing the full force of the heatwave. Further south, temperatures are expected to reach 40°C, with much of southern England under a rare red weather warning for extreme heat.
