The UK is set to face its fourth heatwave of the summer from next week, with temperatures forecast to climb as high as 35C (95F) in the hottest areas, according to the BBC. Yellow heat health alerts have already been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for several English regions, effective from 9:00 BST on 28 July until 9:00 BST on 31 July. The alerts cover Yorkshire and Humber, the West and East Midlands, the East of England, London, the south-east and south-west.
The looming heatwave follows a brief respite: Sunday will be cooler across the UK, with temperatures dropping widely by a couple of degrees. For some places — including Usk in Monmouthshire and Exeter in Devon — that marks the end of their third consecutive heatwave, the first time temperatures have fallen below the threshold in 21 days. But the relief will be short-lived as high pressure builds near southern Britain, stalling rain-bearing weather fronts and confining wet weather to northern and western areas, especially north-west Scotland.
“UK faces fourth heatwave with temps up to 38C; yellow health alerts issued for England.”
By Tuesday, the hottest weather will initially focus on central and eastern England before spreading northwards and westwards. Wednesday is expected to be the hottest day of the week, with East Wales and most of England seeing temperatures between 30C and 35C, the BBC reports. The Met Office forecasts highs of 31C in southern areas on Tuesday, peaking at 32C on Wednesday and 30C on Thursday. Scotland and Northern Ireland will remain cooler but could still reach the mid-20s Celsius. Some computer models suggest an even more intense surge of heat could arrive by midweek, with the GFS model showing temperatures rising as high as 38C on Wednesday in eastern parts of England — which would be the hottest day of the year so far — and 37C in the Midlands and parts of Yorkshire.
The UKHSA warns that the heat is expected to cause minor impacts for health and social care services, with an increased risk to life for vulnerable people. The BBC notes that how long the heat lasts depends on whether a southerly or westerly wind develops: a westerly wind would bring an end to the heatwave, while southerly winds could signal a return to intense heat. By next weekend, forecasts suggest a return to cooler weather as Atlantic systems bring rain and westerly winds, but southern areas, where rain is needed most, may remain dry. The Met Office expects southern regions to “remain relatively settled and very warm” towards the end of July and the start of August, while northern parts could see some periods of rain or showers. Early August could bring a change to more widely unsettled conditions, but details are very uncertain at this stage.