A yellow heat health warning comes into force today across most of England as temperatures are expected to reach 31C in some parts of the country.
The notification, which covers all but one region of the country, highlights the risk of increased pressure on health services as a result of the forecast mini-heatwave.
The alert, issued jointly by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office, comes into effect from 8am and remains in force until 5pm on Thursday.
Temperatures are expected to rise to 31°C (87°F) in some parts over the next few days, with “many places” expected to see the mercury reach mid-20°C (77°F).
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The strongest warnings were given for the East Midlands, East of England, East Anglia and the South East with “the potential for significant impacts to be seen across the health and social care sector due to high temperatures”.
These include a “likely observed increase in mortality across the population, particularly in the over 65s age group or those with health problems, but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups”, the UKHSA said.
A high pressure system will see a rise in temperatures. Photo: iStock
For the North West and North East of England, the West of England, the South West and London, there is an “increased risk of mortality among vulnerable individuals and a greater potential for indoor environments to become very hot”, the alerts warn.
The thermal health alert service only covers England, with colors including green (meaning no alert is issued); yellow (meaning a response is required); amber (enhanced response required); and red (an emergency response) which would indicate a significant risk to life.
Met Office meteorologist Liam Eslick said Monday would see predominantly dry weather with “lots of sunny spells” and a maximum temperature of 28C (82F).
On Tuesday, conditions are expected to be cloudy and murky across the west of Scotland and Northern Ireland. Some showers will be seen across the north of England, which could turn thundery, but the rest of the country will see “more sunshine” and temperatures above 20C.
People went to Bournemouth beach at the weekend. Photo: PA
The forecaster said Wednesday was likely to be the hottest day yet, with highs of 30°C (86°F) in the Southeast.
Temperatures on Thursday are expected to remain “broadly warm”, with some areas recording highs of up to 31C.
Hotter spells will be fleeting
The next heatwave marks a break from the wet spring, which saw 32% more rainfall than average in England and Wales, making it the fifth wettest in England and the eighth wettest on record in Wales. according to the Met Office.
However, the heat is only expected to last until mid-week, giving way to showers, thunderstorms and persistent rain.
The rainy weather is coming in from the Atlantic and a high pressure system is expected to break it up for a few days.
Met Office operational meteorologist Honor Criswick said: “As we move into next week we are starting to see warmer spells, but it will be quite brief.”
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Despite the wet weather, it was the hottest May and spring on record in the UK.
The average temperature was 13.1ºC, surpassing the previous record from 2008 of 12.1ºC.
Dan Rudman, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Whether or not everyone experiences heatwave thresholds, most of the UK will experience the highest temperatures so far this year.
“Confidence in forecasts reduces sharply from Wednesday onwards, with uncertainty regarding the duration of the heat and how it will subside, something we will be keeping an eye on in the coming days.
“However, next weekend, cooler and changeable conditions will become more likely.”
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