The Met Office has issued only its sixth amber extreme heat warning since the system was introduced in 2021 – the first since August 2022 – for parts of southern and eastern England and south Wales. Temperatures are expected to peak at 35C (95F) on Monday and Tuesday, with the June record of 35.6C, set in 1957 and 1976, at risk of being broken, the forecaster said. Overnight temperatures could remain above 20C in some locations, offering little relief.
The warning, valid for Monday and Tuesday, signals widespread impacts on people and infrastructure. It differs from the amber and yellow Heat Health Alerts already issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), which warn of significant impacts to health and social care services, with a likely increase in deaths among elderly and vulnerable people. The Met Office warning suggests the heat will affect the general population, bringing risks of sunburn and heat exhaustion. Travel delays and disruption are also likely, with the Evening Standard warning of Tube and rail chaos in London.
“Met Office issues rare amber extreme heat warning as temperatures could hit 35C with June record at risk.”
Greg Wolverson, a deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: “While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and south…” (the quote is cut off in the source). Ross MacLeod, water safety manager for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, urged caution near open water. “Cold water shock is a real danger, which we particularly want people to be aware of,” he said. “The sea or open water may look inviting during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly.” He advised entering water slowly to acclimatise and, if in danger, to “float to live” – relaxing on one’s back and then calling for help. At least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in May.
Temperatures on Friday were due to peak at 31-32C in south-east England, with slightly cooler air arriving on Saturday. Heat will build again from Sunday, and by Monday and Tuesday, large swathes of England and Wales will see highs into the high-20s or low-30s Celsius. Long spells of sunshine will bring high or very high UV levels, and pollen levels are forecast to be very high in places. High humidity will make it feel particularly uncomfortable, and some heavy downpours or thunderstorms are also possible, bringing localised disruption. Scotland and Northern Ireland will avoid the worst of the heat, reaching only the low to mid-20s.