Parts of the UK are preparing for their third heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to exceed 30C this weekend and into next week – a hot spell expected to last significantly longer than the record-breaking June heatwave.
Highs could reach 33C in southern and south-eastern England, with 30C possible as far north as South Yorkshire, according to the Met Office. London is set to hit 28C on Saturday, rising to 32C on Monday, with forecasters predicting seven straight days of temperatures between 28C and 32C. While not as intense as the June heatwave – which saw 37.7C in Norfolk on 26 June, the hottest June day on record – this latest spell could persist into the middle of July, driven by a ridge of high pressure linked to the Azores High shifting north-eastwards and blocking Atlantic weather systems.
“UK faces third heatwave with temperatures exceeding 30C, lasting into mid-July, as yellow health alerts issued.”
Yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, London, south-east England and south-west England, running from noon on Saturday until 20:00 BST on Saturday 11 July. They warn of a heightened risk to health, particularly for vulnerable people, as heatwave criteria may be met if temperatures remain above regional thresholds – typically 25C across much of the country and 28C in London and parts of the south-east – for three consecutive days.
The June heatwave, which equalled the historic 1976 heatwave and prompted a red weather warning, came after May’s heatwave when the mercury climbed to 35.1C in Kew, London, smashing the previous May record of 32.8C set in 1922. Scientists from the World Weather Attribution group calculated that a similar heatwave in the climate of 1976 would have been 3.5C cooler, without the same daytime peaks or overnight temperatures.
Professor Stephen Belcher, Met Office chief scientist, said: “Human induced climate change has made events like this more likely and more intense. To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply.”
Areas on the western side of the UK – including Lancashire, the Lake District, western Scotland and Northern Ireland – will be cooler due to an Atlantic breeze, with temperatures in the low to mid-20s. But across southern and eastern England, the heat is expected to persist, with the heat health alert for London extended to next weekend as the lengthy hot spell pushes temperatures above 30C.