A third heatwave of the year is building across the UK this weekend, with temperatures set to peak at 34C in the south-east — prompting week-long health warnings and a hosepipe ban.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, south-east and south-west England, in force from midday Saturday until 8pm on 11 July. The alerts warn of an increased risk to life for vulnerable people and potential strain on health services, as well as a higher chance of water-related incidents due to cold water shock.
“A week-long heatwave with 34C peak triggers yellow health alerts across southern England.”
According to the Met Office, temperatures in London could reach 28C on Saturday, rising to 29C on Sunday and climbing into the low 30s next week, with a peak of 34C expected on Thursday or Friday. “The peak of the heat appears to be Thursday or Friday: 34C in the south-east,” said Met Office meteorologist Becky Mitchell. “By comparison to the heatwave we saw in June, this heatwave won’t be as hot and humid, but it will be a prolonged spell of hot weather which lasts around a week.”
The previous heatwave set a new June record of 37.3C. This one is expected to be less intense but longer, possibly continuing into the middle of July, according to forecast models. Some areas are likely to meet official heatwave criteria — three consecutive days above regional thresholds, which range from 25C to 28C.
Not all of the UK will feel the heat. Northern areas will see more cloud and rain, with temperatures in the mid to high teens in the north of England and Scotland. Western parts such as Lancashire, the Lake District, western Scotland and Northern Ireland will be cooled by an Atlantic breeze, limiting temperatures to the low to mid-20s.
In response to the heat, Southern Water will impose a hosepipe ban from 12.01am on 10 July across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. The company said river levels were 25% lower than expected for this time of year, with the River Test losing a third of its water in the past month. A separate ban is already in force in Kent, kept under constant review.
The UK Health Security Agency advised extra care for older people and those with underlying health conditions, warning that the high temperatures could increase use of healthcare services by vulnerable people and pose a greater risk to life.