Parts of the UK are braced for another heatwave this weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach 30°C in the capital on Sunday – just days after the country sweltered through its hottest June day on record.
Last Friday, the Met Office confirmed the UK’s hottest June day ever, with 37.3°C recorded in Suffolk, surpassing the previous day’s high of 36.7°C in Merryfield, Somerset. Now, the Met Office has warned that heatwave conditions could return early next week, with temperatures building over the weekend.
“UK faces another heatwave with temperatures up to 30C, prompting health warnings from NHS and British Heart Foundation.”
Tony Wisson, a Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster, said: “The forecast for this weekend suggests that temperatures could approach high 20s°C across parts of England, perhaps 30°C in parts of the southeast, with values of mid to high 20s°C in Wales. Although a return to heatwave conditions is looking increasingly likely for some areas, the likelihood of such extreme high temperatures or high levels of humidity as last week is currently low.”
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a new yellow heat health alert across the south of England and parts of the Midlands, coming into force from Sunday and lasting until next Wednesday. By Friday, temperatures could approach 28°C in Greater London and the Home Counties, with Sunday expected to be the earliest day for a heatwave to be declared.
While the south bakes, northern parts will remain cooler: Edinburgh, Manchester, and Newcastle are forecast temperatures between 19°C and 23°C over the weekend and early next week.
The NHS has warned that heatwaves pose serious health risks, particularly for babies, young children, and older people. Those with heart problems, diabetes, and kidney disease may also face increased risk. “During heatwaves, more people than usual get seriously ill or die,” the health service said. “When hot weather hits, make sure it does not harm you or anyone you know.”
The British Heart Foundation has offered guidance for heart patients, recommending that people drink plenty of fluids and eat cold foods during hot weather. “Hot weather can present specific risks for people with heart conditions because the heart has to work harder to keep the body’s core temperature at normal levels,” the charity said. “In hot weather, your blood vessels dilate, which can lead to a drop in blood pressure. Studies have shown this puts people with cardiovascular disease at greater risk of health complications and even death, though more research is needed.”
As households prepare for the warm spell, charities are urging people to stock up on cold foods and drinks, and to check on vulnerable neighbours.
