Temperatures in Liverpool are set to reach 30C midweek as the UK braces for its fifth heatwave of the summer. Yellow heat health alerts have been issued for parts of the country, though the North West currently has no warnings.
Heat alerts in effect
Yellow heat health alerts for the Midlands and southern England came into effect at 9am on Saturday, with highs of 28C recorded across the South and South East, while much of central England saw temperatures reach up to 27C. The alerts are currently in place until 9pm on Tuesday, but could be extended if the hot conditions persist.
Forecast for the North West
The Met Office has said temperatures will slowly start to climb from the early 20s before a sharp spike in the middle of the week to the late 20s, with temperatures expected to exceed 30C on Wednesday, August 12. After that, slightly cooler days are expected towards the end of the week.
The Met Office forecast for the North West of England said: "Monday: Dry on Monday with plenty of sunshine and light winds. Sunshine will turn a little hazy later in the afternoon. Feeling warm in the sunshine. Maximum temperature 23 °C."
"Outlook for Tuesday to Thursday: Largely dry with sunny spells over the next few days, and perhaps the odd shower. Turning increasingly hot and more humid later in the week."
Health warnings on medicines
With another heatwave on the way, health officials have warned of risks when taking some medicines, including ibuprofen, in hot weather as they can make it harder for the body to stay hydrated, regulate temperature or cope with sun exposure.
Dr Alison Cave, chief safety officer at the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, said: "Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), commonly used to treat acid reflux and heartburn, have also been linked to a very low risk of a lupus-like skin reaction triggered by sun exposure, and common painkillers such as ibuprofen and naproxen may also increase sun sensitivity."
Two record-breaking heatwaves in May and June led to more than 2,800 excess deaths, and two more heatwaves in July have fuelled drought and wildfires.
