A scorching heatwave is anticipated to move through significant parts of the United Kingdom, bringing back high temperatures in a dramatic fashion. After a period of cooler and wet weather, summer is expected to make a strong return over the upcoming weekend, with temperatures predicted to reach up to 30C according to the Met Office.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a serious alert regarding the “increased risk to life of vulnerable individuals” as a new yellow heat health warning is scheduled to be in effect. This alert will be active from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8pm on Monday, June 22. It highlights concerns such as heightened demand on healthcare services from vulnerable populations, uncomfortably warm indoor settings, and an increased likelihood of water-related incidents.
London, the South East, East of England, and the East Midlands will be covered by this warning, as confirmed by the UKHSA. The Met Office has also cautioned that temperatures in the South East could reach heatwave levels by the weekend.
According to a UKHSA spokesperson on Monday, June 15, Friday is expected to bring very warm and locally hot conditions to the south-east and certain eastern areas of England, alongside higher humidity and a chance of isolated thunderstorms. While there is uncertainty about the duration of the warm conditions, a weak weather front moving eastward into Saturday might lead to slightly lower temperatures and fresher conditions. However, there is a possibility of the weather front stalling in the South East, allowing warm or hot conditions to persist.
Meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey from the Met Office warned that rising temperatures and increasing humidity will likely coincide with cloudy skies across much of the country. He mentioned the potential for 30C temperatures in parts of south-eastern England by Friday, depending on cloud cover. Despite the warmth, there will be periods of cloudiness, resulting in a mix of conditions.
Mr. Vautrey further stated that the West Midlands, parts of the West Country, and areas of Wales are expected to experience warm temperatures reaching the mid-teens by the end of the week. On the other hand, Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecasted to have cloudier conditions and rainfall throughout the week, with temperatures not expected to surpass 20C to 21C in those regions.