The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for extreme heat ahead of a heatwave expected in the UK over the weekend.
The weather warning covers the South West, South East, the east of England and parts of south Wales. It is in place from 1am on Monday until the end of Tuesday as the forecaster warns the developing hot spell is expected to lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure.
Meteorologist Max Deakin said temperatures could potentially reach the mid-thirties next week after what will be a very warm weekend for many.
“In the South on Monday we're looking at temperatures back into the low, potentially even mid-thirties,” he added. “So it's a pretty unusual even for the middle part of June.
“So we are going to see the heat building in places as we head into the early part of next week.”
The Met Office warned there would be an increased risk of water safety incidents as more people visit coastal areas, lakes and rivers.
Vulnerable people have been warned that they could experience “adverse health effects”, while the wider population could experience sunburn or heat exhaustion, the forecaster warned.
With potential delays to road, rail and air travel, those facing delays could experience welfare issues. The forecaster added that there was an increased chance that some heat-sensitive systems and equipment may fail, leading to power cuts and the loss of other services to some homes and businesses.
Tropical nights could be declared in some parts of the country, particularly in urban areas, where temperatures remain above 20C overnight, the deputy chief forecaster warned.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Greg Wolverson said: “While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and southeast of England over the weekend, with temperatures into the low-thirties Celsius possible, the warmth will expand and intensify at the start of next week, which, coupled with high temperatures overnight, leads to potential impacts.
“Temperatures will peak around the mid-thirties Celsius on Monday and Tuesday. The humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many. Tropical nights – where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20C are also likely for some.”
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber and yellow heat health alerts across swathes of England, warning of “significant impacts” on health and social care services due to the high temperatures. The alerts began on Thursday at 12pm and will end next Thursday.
Amber heat health alerts are in place across the east of England, London, as well as the South West and South East. Yellow alerts are in place across the East and West Midlands.
The UKHSA warned there could be a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions, but there could also be impacts on younger age groups. Internal temperatures in hospitals and care homes could also exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment and workforces may struggle under the heat to deliver services.
The agency warned that an increased demand for power could exceed capacity, and there could be issues managing medications.
The soaring temperatures come a month after the Climate Change Committee warned the UK is under threat from heat, flooding and drought. The advisory body warned that by 2050, 92 per cent of homes are likely to overheat as peak river flows would be up to 45 per cent higher and water supply shortfalls could exceed five billion litres per day.
The committee urged the government to consider implementing a national maximum temperature for workplaces to protect workers’ safety and incentivise the deployment of cooling. The Trades Union Congress has backed this, stating workers should be able to stop work above 30C or 27C for those doing strenuous labour.
Met Office five-day weather forecast
Friday
Spells of rain in the North West, edging slowly South East with showers following. Low cloud and coastal mist in the West and South West. Drier elsewhere with sunny spells. Very warm or hot in the South East and feeling muggy.
Friday night
Rain continues South East and eases overnight. Clear spells and isolated showers into the North West, where it will be a little fresher. Warm and muggy in the South and South East.
Saturday
Rather cloudy at first with a little light rain in the South. Isolated showers in the North. Generally dry with sunny spells developing for most. Feeling a little less warm.
Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday
Turning more settled into the weekend as high pressure starts to build from the South. Sunny spells and feeling increasingly hot with temperatures well above the June average.
