Large swathes of England are bracing for extreme temperatures this week, with heat health alerts coming into force as some areas are forecast to be hotter than popular Greek holiday destinations.
The Met Office predicts temperatures could soar to 35C in the South East on Monday, surpassing the expected highs for islands such as Mykonos, Rhodes, and Santorini.
Much of central and southern England is anticipated to experience highs in the upper 20s to low 30s before a slight easing later in the week.
In response, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, South East, and London, effective from Monday until Wednesday morning.
This alert warns that the intense heat could place additional strain on the NHS, with vulnerable individuals more likely to require medical attention. Yellow heat-health alerts will also be in place for the North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, West Midlands, and South West during the same period.
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna stated: "We’re going with a headline tomorrow of 34C, but with a potential for local 35C in the South East, the Midlands into the low 30s as well.
So central and southern England, widely high 20s to low 30s, and approaching or if not touching, the mid 30s in the South East.
Tomorrow is the peak of the heat; temperatures do come down a little bit, we’re still talking 28 to 30C on Tuesday. Again, the South East and East Anglia we’re seeing the highest temperatures on Tuesday, so not as extreme as tomorrow, but still well above average."
He added: "And then even by Wednesday, we’re looking at high 20s, 26 or 27C, in the South East. But it’s a gradual cooling down process through the week, and always cooler towards the North and West in any case, high teens, low 20s, but certainly central and South East England seeing hot weather returning briefly, and a lot of sunshine to come in the South East as well."
Mr Petagna also noted that low pressure moving in from the west could bring rain to northern and western parts of the UK, with a chance of showers reaching the South East on Tuesday and Wednesday.
Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could see heavy rain, with weather warnings possible in some areas of Scotland. Wales is forecast to reach the high 20s on Monday before cooling to the mid-20s over the subsequent days.
Polly Ashmore of the UKHSA emphasised the risks: "Periods of hot weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. We are urging health and social care services in affected regions to ensure they are prepared, and reminding people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours and those with underlying health conditions, making sure they are aware of the forecast and following the necessary advice. Simple steps such as staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping your home cool are some of the key ways to help keep yourself and others safe during periods of hot weather."
Angelo Makri of the Alzheimer’s Society highlighted specific concerns for those with dementia: "People should absolutely enjoy the warmer weather, but it’s important to remember that high temperatures can pose serious risks for people living with dementia if they are not supported to stay cool and hydrated. People with dementia may not always recognise when they need a drink or wear suitable clothing, which can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. With temperatures set to reach extreme highs this week, we’re urging families, friends and carers to make sure loved ones are drinking enough, wearing light clothing and staying indoors as much as possible."
