A blazing heatwave is expected to move through extensive areas of the United Kingdom, bringing back scorching temperatures. After a period of cooler, rainy weather, summer is preparing for a strong comeback this weekend, with temperatures anticipated to rise as high as 30C as per the Met Office.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a serious alert about the “increased risk to the lives of vulnerable individuals” as a new yellow heat health warning is set to be in effect. The alert will be active from 3 pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8 pm on Monday, June 22, highlighting concerns such as higher demand on healthcare services from vulnerable groups, uncomfortably warm indoor conditions, and an elevated risk of water-related incidents.
The UKHSA has specified that this warning will cover London, the South East, East of England, and the East Midlands. The Met Office has cautioned that temperatures in the South East could reach heatwave levels by the upcoming weekend.
A spokesperson from the UKHSA mentioned on Monday, June 15, that Friday is likely to witness very warm, potentially hot conditions for parts of the south-east and certain eastern regions of England, with increased humidity and a chance of isolated thunderstorms. The duration of the warm conditions remains uncertain, with a weak weather front expected to move eastward by Saturday, possibly bringing slightly lower temperatures and fresher conditions.
Meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey from the Met Office indicated that rising temperatures and humidity might coincide with cloudy skies across much of the country. He stated that there’s potential for 30C temperatures in parts of south-eastern England by Friday, with the exact temperatures depending on cloud cover. Although warmth is expected to increase, cloud cover will also be prevalent, leading to a muggy feel later in the weekend, with uncomfortably warm nights for sleeping in the high teens in south-eastern England.
Vautrey also highlighted that the West Midlands, parts of the West Country, and sections of Wales could see temperatures in the mid-teens by the end of the week. In contrast, Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to experience cloudier conditions and rainfall throughout the week, with temperatures not expected to surpass 20C to 21C in those regions.
