A blazing heatwave is expected to cover extensive areas of the UK, bringing back scorching temperatures. After a period of cooler, wet weather, summer is gearing up for a strong comeback this weekend, with temperatures forecasted to rise up to 30C according to the Met Office.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a serious alert about the “increased risk to vulnerable individuals’ lives” as a new yellow heat health warning is set to take effect. The alert will be in place from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8pm on Monday, June 22, with concerns including higher demand on healthcare services from at-risk groups, uncomfortably warm indoor conditions, and an elevated risk of water-related incidents.
The UKHSA confirmed that the warning will be applicable to London, the South East, East of England, and the East Midlands. The Met Office has advised that temperatures in the South East could reach heatwave levels over the weekend.
According to a UKHSA spokesperson on June 15, “Friday is likely to witness very warm, possibly hot conditions in the southeast and some eastern parts of England, with increased humidity and a chance of isolated thunderstorms.” There is uncertainty regarding the duration of the warm conditions, as a weak weather front moving east by Saturday might bring slightly cooler temperatures and fresher conditions.
Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey warned that rising temperatures and increased humidity may be accompanied by cloudy skies nationwide. “There is a potential for temperatures to reach 30C in parts of southeastern England by Friday,” stated Mr. Vautrey. He added that the exact temperature details would depend on cloud cover since there will be periods of cloudiness despite the warmth.
Mr. Vautrey also mentioned that the West Midlands, parts of the West Country, and certain areas of Wales are expected to experience warm temperatures in the mid-teens by the end of the week. In contrast, Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to face cloudier conditions and rainfall throughout the week, with temperatures not expected to exceed 20C to 21C in those regions.