The UK is bracing for a fourth heatwave as the Met Office predicts temperatures could reach 35C on Wednesday. Weather maps indicate that around 20 counties may experience temperatures of 30C or higher.
Tuesday will see a surge in hot weather, especially in south-east England, with temperatures expected to reach 29C to 30C before peaking on Wednesday.
According to the Met Office forecast for Wednesday at 4 pm, Cambridge and parts of Norfolk and Suffolk could see highs of 34C, while London and parts of the Home Counties may experience temperatures of 33C.
This upcoming heatwave is likely to surpass the local thresholds required to officially declare it the fourth heatwave of the year in the UK. The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat-health alerts for regions including the South East, London, the East Midlands, and East of England.
Amber alerts signify potential significant impacts on health and social care services due to high temperatures, with a particular risk for individuals aged 65 and above or with underlying health conditions, warned the UKHSA.
Yellow heat-health alerts have been issued for other regions like the South West, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber, lasting from 9 am on Wednesday, July 29, to 9 am on Thursday, July 30. No alerts are currently in place for the North East, North West of England, Wales, Scotland, or Northern Ireland.
Gregory Wolverson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, highlighted the rapid temperature rise expected, especially in the southeast, with temperatures possibly reaching the mid-30s by Wednesday. While the heatwave won’t cover the entire UK, it is anticipated that parts of the southeast will meet the official heatwave criteria by Thursday.
Elsewhere, a shift to cooler and unsettled conditions is forecasted, particularly in northern areas, with a mix of sunshine and showers. Northern regions may experience heavier showers with a slight risk of isolated thunderstorms throughout the week.