Temperatures are expected to increase in various regions of the UK as scorching heat is poised to return once again. Following a period of milder and rainy conditions, summer temperatures are forecasted to make a comeback this weekend, with highs reaching up to 30C.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a warning about the “greater risk to life for vulnerable individuals” as a new yellow heat health alert is set to be activated. This alert will be in effect from 3 pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8 pm on Monday, June 22, potentially leading to increased healthcare service utilization by vulnerable populations and indoor spaces becoming excessively warm, posing a heightened risk 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 spokesperson for the UKHSA mentioned, “Friday is anticipated to witness very warm, possibly hot conditions in south-eastern and certain eastern areas of England, with higher humidity levels and a chance of isolated thunderstorms.” There is some uncertainty regarding the duration of the warm conditions as a weak weather front moving eastward into Saturday could bring slightly lower temperatures and fresher conditions. However, there is a possibility that the front may stall in the South East, maintaining very warm or hot conditions, potentially extending into the following week.
Meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey from the Met Office warned that rising temperatures and humidity might coincide with overcast skies for many areas. He noted that temperatures could reach 30C in parts of south-eastern England by Friday, with cloud cover influencing the exact temperature readings. While warmth is expected to increase during the upcoming week, periods of cloudiness are also anticipated alongside rising humidity levels.
The West Midlands, parts of the West Country, and regions of Wales are likely to experience warm temperatures around the mid-teens by the week’s end, as stated by Mr. Vautrey. Conversely, Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecasted to encounter cloudy conditions and rain throughout the week, with temperatures in those areas unlikely to exceed 20C to 21C.
