Britain is preparing for its third heatwave of the year, with the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issuing a yellow heat health alert for southern and eastern England and the East Midlands. The alert is in effect from Saturday until Wednesday, warning of an increased risk to vulnerable individuals and a potential rise in water-related incidents.
The five-day alert highlights a "greater risk to life of vulnerable people" and anticipates an increase in water-related incidents, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning. Health officials are concerned about further fatalities, following at least 11 water-related deaths during the June heatwave and 17 during the May heatwave. On Monday, a 13-year-old boy died after being pulled from open water in east London.
While temperatures are expected to remain just below the heatwave threshold for the remainder of this week, with highs around 26-27C in London, they are forecast to climb. The 28C threshold for London is expected to be met on Saturday, with temperatures potentially reaching 29C on Sunday, 31C on Monday, and 30C on Tuesday. A heatwave is officially defined by the Met Office as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding a specific threshold, which varies by region.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Tony Wisson indicated that high pressure building from the Azores will lead to more settled, warm, or very warm conditions for much of the UK, particularly England and Wales. While some rain may affect the far north, temperatures in parts of England could approach the high 20s Celsius, potentially reaching 30C in the South East. Despite the likelihood of returning heatwave conditions for some areas, the extreme temperatures and humidity seen in the previous week are considered less probable.
Earlier in the week, the Met Office confirmed a new provisional June temperature record of nearly 38C was set, with a high of 37.7C recorded in Lingwood, Norfolk. This surpassed the previous June record and marked two of Britain's top ten hottest days on record. The preceding May heatwave also saw England and Wales record their hottest ever days for the month.