Public health officials are preparing to issue heatwave alerts next week with temperatures forecast to top 30C (86F) in the UK.
After a balmy weekend in the mid-20s, the mercury is expected to climb further early next week. Wednesday could be the hottest day of the year so far, with temperatures matching those in Spain.
The Met Office said southern parts of the UK are likely to experience temperatures by midweek of 30C or more – the threshold for heatwave alerts to be issued. Temperatures above this are considered dangerous for older people, very young children and those with pre-existing medical conditions.
Clare Nasir, a Met Office meteorologist, said: “By next week, temperatures will rocket up into the high 20s, even low 30s by the middle to latter part of the week.
“Sunday is going to be a great day for being out and about, but do remember UV levels are likely to be high or even very high across the country, and you’ll burn even quicker if you are along the coast with the reflection of the sand and sea.”
Public Health England said it was considering issuing warnings early next week. The details will depend on forecasts nearer the time. Under PHE’s heatwave plan, when temperatures exceed 30C, children are advised not to take part in vigorous exercise and encouraged to stay in the shade as much as possible.
Once temperatures of about 30C in the daytime and 15C at night or more are forecast within 48 hours, PHE will send out heatwave alerts. Temperatures that trigger heatwave alerts vary by region from 28C in the day and 15C at night in north-east England to 32C in the day and 18C at night in London.
Dr Owen Landeg of PHE said: “For some people, the summer heat can bring real health risks. That’s why we’re urging everyone to keep an eye on those you know who may be at risk.
“If you’re able, ask if your friends, family or neighbours need any support. And if you’re going outside for a prolonged period, remember UV is high at this time of year, so think how the sun affects you and what you’d do to make sure you don’t get burned.”
#UV levels will be high or very high in the #sunshine today, but moderate under the cloud in the far north. If you are in the sun, don’t forget to #CoverUpMate pic.twitter.com/qBVEz0sDx6
— Met Office (@metoffice) June 22, 2018
Transport for London said it would be issuing hot weather warnings on the London Underground this weekend.
The police and fire service in Derbyshire warned the public of the dangers of cold water shock for anyone tempted to cool off with a freshwater plunge.
A very impactive video from @DerbyshireFRS. During hot weather - and with a #Heatwave forecast for the weekend and early next week - it's tempting to cool off in cold water. But remember: #ColdWaterShock can kill. #BeWaterAware #StaySafe #DrowningPreventionWeek https://t.co/sb04EWnjy0
— Derbyshire Police (@DerbysPolice) June 22, 2018
Martin Bowles, an operational meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Over the weekend it’s going to stay sunny across the board almost everywhere. The temperature will be up a little bit each day.”
On Saturday, there will be highs of 24C, with temperatures of 25C on Sunday in the south-east and London. Elsewhere, temperatures will be well above average for this time of year.
The average for late June is about 21C in London, 18C in Manchester and 17C in Scotland.
“We’re going to be widely four or five degrees above that tomorrow and the next day,” Bowles said. “Monday 27C, Tuesday 28C – it’s quite likely, I’d say more likely than not, that somewhere in the UK on Wednesday will get 30C, probably the south-east of England.”
If Britain does hit 30C, it will be as hot as Gibraltar and parts of southern Spain.
The forecast mini-heatwave for late June comes after the sunniest May on record and the warmest April day for almost 70 years.
