Temperatures are forecasted to increase in various UK regions as scorching heat is poised to return once again. Following a period of mild and rainy conditions, summer weather is expected to make a comeback this weekend, with temperatures soaring up to 30C.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning about a heightened risk to vulnerable individuals as a new yellow heat health alert will be activated. This alert will be effective from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8pm on Monday, June 22. Potential impacts include a surge in healthcare service utilization by vulnerable groups, indoor spaces becoming excessively warm, and an increased likelihood of water-related incidents.
The alert will encompass London, South East, East of England, and the East Midlands, according to the UKHSA. The Met Office has cautioned that temperatures in the South East could meet heatwave criteria over the weekend.
A UKHSA spokesperson mentioned that Friday could see very warm to hot conditions in the south-east and some eastern parts of England, accompanied by higher humidity and a chance of isolated thunderstorms. The duration of the warm conditions remains uncertain, as a weather front moving east on Saturday might bring slightly lower temperatures and cooler weather.
Jonathan Vautrey, a meteorologist at the Met Office, highlighted that rising temperatures and humidity may coincide with overcast skies for many areas. He indicated the potential for temperatures to reach 30C in parts of south-eastern England by Friday.
While cloud cover may vary, leading to fluctuations in temperatures, the overall trend is towards increasing warmth and humidity. Vautrey also mentioned the likelihood of uncomfortably muggy nights with overnight temperatures in the high teens in south-eastern England.
The West Midlands, parts of the West Country, and sections of Wales are expected to experience warmer temperatures around the mid-teens by the week’s end. Conversely, Scotland and Northern Ireland are anticipated to have cloudy conditions and rainfall throughout the week, with temperatures in these regions unlikely to surpass 20C to 21C.