England is under amber and yellow heat health alerts as temperatures are predicted to reach 34C (93.2F) in some regions, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warning of potential impacts on health and social care services. The amber alerts, in effect from 9 a.m. until Wednesday morning, cover London, the South East, the East of England, and the East Midlands. Less severe yellow alerts are in place for the North West, Yorkshire and the Humber, the West Midlands, and the South West.
The North East is the only region in England not under a heat health alert. The week's hottest weather is expected as hot air from France combines with a low-pressure system from the Atlantic. Southern and eastern England are forecast to experience temperatures in the low to mid-30s Celsius, with London potentially reaching 34C. Other areas, including the Midlands, East Anglia, and southern England, anticipate temperatures around 30C, with similar conditions possible in eastern Wales.
Meanwhile, Scotland and Northern Ireland could see rain from a low-pressure system moving across Ireland, bringing cloudier skies. Similar conditions may also affect western England.
The country is grappling with a severe drought, with much of Wales and large parts of south-western, central, and eastern England experiencing drought conditions at the end of last week. This has led to wildfires breaking out across the country, including near the Sizewell B nuclear power station and its construction site in Suffolk. One wildfire covered an area the size of 140 football pitches, requiring fire crews from London and helicopter water drops.
July has seen exceptionally low rainfall, with some counties recording less than 1mm of precipitation for the entire month. Provisional statistics from the Met Office suggest England and Wales are on track for their driest July in nearly 200 years. The country as a whole is experiencing its third driest July on record, receiving only 35% of its usual rainfall.
This dry spell has coincided with exceptional warmth. England is set for its joint-warmest July on average temperature, and Wales is on course for its hottest July ever. Northern Ireland is also experiencing its third-warmest July on record.
Met Office scientist Dr. Emily Carlisle noted that the extreme lack of rainfall in parts of England and Wales is particularly significant when combined with the high temperatures. Persistent high-pressure systems have dominated the weather, bringing prolonged sunshine, high temperatures, and minimal rainfall.
The low rainfall has contributed to rapidly declining river flows, parched soils, and falling reservoir levels. The Environment Agency reported last month that national reservoir storage had fallen to around 75%, well below the seasonal average. River flows are critically low in many areas, putting pressure on wildlife and fish populations. Farmers are also facing challenges, with crops suffering from dry ground, leading to some harvests being brought forward.
Millions of Britons are currently under hosepipe bans as water companies attempt to conserve reserves. The situation has led to unique circumstances, such as a road in Kent being divided by water restrictions, with one side prohibited from using hosepipes while the other remains unaffected.