The Met Office has issued a UV warning as the UK experiences a prolonged period of warm, sunny, and dry weather. Brits are urged to protect their skin by wearing sun cream and monitoring UV levels. In Greater Manchester, temperatures are forecast to reach 25°C this week, with abundant sunshine and minimal rainfall. Across the wider UK, the dry conditions have led to water restrictions in some areas.
Water Restrictions Imposed in Southern England
South East Water has announced temporary water restrictions in Sussex, Surrey, Hampshire, and Berkshire, affecting 2.4 million customers starting Saturday. The Environment Agency's weekly dry weather and drought report, released Friday, indicates that reservoir storage levels in England are currently at 79%, approximately five percentage points below the long-term average for this time of year. Six reservoirs are classified as having “notably low” levels, including Wimbleball in Somerset, Grafham in Cambridgeshire, and Hanningfield in Essex, while Blagdon reservoir in Somerset is deemed “exceptionally low.”
Record-Breaking Heat
The UK has seen 28 days with temperatures exceeding 30°C this year: seven in May, eight in June, and 13 in July. The record for the number of 30°C-plus days in a calendar year is 34, set in 1995. On Monday, July 20, the Met Office took to social media to remind the public to protect themselves from high UV levels. In a post on X, the Met Office stated: "From beaches to back gardens, many will see high to very high UV levels this week. If you're spending time outdoors, remember to protect your skin." The agency added: "Keep an eye on UV levels. Be #WeatherReady by downloading our App so you can stay up-to-date with the latest weather and UV forecasts before heading outside. Make sure you stock up on sunscreen."
UV Levels Across the UK
A table included in the Met Office's post shows that Manchester will experience UV levels reaching 7 on Monday and Tuesday, dropping to 6 on Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. Cardiff and London are forecast to hit UV level 8 throughout the week. According to Met Office guidance, a small amount of UV radiation is essential for vitamin D production, but excessive sun exposure can seriously harm skin and eyes. The Met Office advises: "It is important not to be caught out by the sun so use our forecast to plan your day, keep covered and wear a hat and sunglasses, spend time in the shade and use a high factor sun cream with good UVA protection to protect yourself."
Health Risks of UV Exposure
Explaining sunburn, the Met Office notes: "Sunburn occurs when your skin is overexposed to UV radiation, usually from the sun's rays but also from sunbeds. Extreme sunburn can be very serious and all sunburn can cause serious ongoing health effects, however most people initially experience mild symptoms, such as hot red skin." The agency warns that excessive UV radiation directly damages DNA in skin cells, and while the body repairs some damage, accumulated harm can lead to skin ageing and skin cancer. The Met Office highlights: "The majority of skin cancer cases are caused by UV radiation either from the sun or sunbeds. It is one of the most common forms of cancer in the UK, with over 15,400 cases of malignant melanoma and over 20,000 new cases of non-melanoma skin cancer diagnosed each year."
