A third heatwave is set to grip the United Kingdom this weekend, with temperatures forecast to reach 34C. In response to the rising heat, Wimbledon has begun distributing free sunscreen to spectators in the famous Queue, while millions in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight are now subject to a hosepipe ban. The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts for several regions, including the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East England, and South West England, warning of increased health risks, particularly for vulnerable individuals.
The heat has already had notable effects, including an ice cream van that caught fire in Slough while parked in 25C heat. Firefighters responded to the blaze, which engulfed the van, leaving it a blackened shell. While no serious injuries were reported, some individuals received treatment for minor injuries.
Southern Water has implemented a temporary hosepipe ban for residents in Hampshire and the Isle of Wight, which began on July 10. The company has urged customers to reduce water usage immediately to alleviate pressure on the network. This marks the second consecutive year Southern Water has enacted such restrictions. Similarly, South East Water customers in Kent are also under a hosepipe ban, expected to last until autumn. The company cited critically low water levels in the River Test, a primary water source for the region, which have fallen faster than predicted due to the heat and lack of rainfall. Southern Water has advocated for the construction of new reservoirs to address long-term water needs.
Wimbledon organizers are taking measures to protect attendees, with military personnel on-site trained in heat protection and prevention. "If someone goes down, we would know what to do," stated military service steward Able Seaman Michelle Rowlands. "We’ve got free sun cream out this year, extra water kindly donated by Evian, like all these little things we’re learning and putting into place each year." Approximately half a million people are expected to attend the tournament over its two-week duration, and the current heatwave is predicted to be longer than previous ones, potentially extending into mid-July.
Beyond the terrestrial impact, the seas around the UK are also experiencing a marine heatwave, with water temperatures reaching levels typically seen in August, approximately 2C warmer than average, and locally up to 4-5C warmer offshore. Experts note that these warmer seas have reduced night-time cooling and sustained warmth, particularly in coastal areas. The prolonged elevated temperatures have the potential to further intensify the marine heatwave, possibly reaching extreme levels in the south. This phenomenon can impact coastal weather patterns and affect marine ecosystems, including seagrass and kelp habitats, potentially leading to mass mortality events for some species and altering the distribution of commercially important fish and shellfish. The warmer waters may also facilitate the introduction of non-native species to UK shores.