Amber and yellow heat health alerts have come into force today, 29 July, as parts of the UK experience the fourth widespread heatwave of the year. Temperatures are expected to peak at 35C in the hottest areas.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, London, and the south-east. These alerts are active from 09:00 BST on 29 July until 09:00 BST on 30 July. Yellow heat health alerts are also in place for the same period for the south-west, West Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
Temperatures are forecast to climb sharply across southern and eastern England and into parts of the Midlands, reaching 30-35C at their highest point today. Some eastern areas of Wales could also meet heatwave criteria.
While the hottest conditions are concentrated on Wednesday, a weather front on Thursday is expected to bring fresher air, with temperatures falling by around 5-8C. However, well above-average temperatures in the mid- to high 20s Celsius are forecast to persist into the weekend.
The hot weather, combined with a significant lack of rainfall, is expected to worsen conditions in many of the driest areas. Rainfall in England this month is currently at 4.4mm, one of the lowest levels on record.