The Met Office has extended its amber heat health alert for large parts of England, as the country continues to experience a significant heatwave with temperatures projected to reach as high as 35C. The warning, initially set to expire, now remains in place until Sunday evening, signalling a sustained period of high temperatures that pose a risk to public health.
Forecasters anticipate the mercury will climb steadily over the weekend, with Saturday and Sunday expected to be the hottest days. While the South East of England is likely to experience the highest temperatures, potentially reaching 35C, other regions will also see significantly elevated readings. Across England, temperatures are generally predicted to range from 28C to 33C. In Wales, highs of around 27C to 30C are expected, particularly in eastern areas. Scotland will see slightly cooler but still warm conditions, with temperatures in the low to mid-20s Celsius, possibly reaching 24C in central belts. Northern Ireland is also forecast to experience warm weather, with temperatures reaching up to 26C.
The extended alert underscores the potential for heat-related illnesses, particularly among the elderly, young children, and those with pre-existing health conditions. The Met Office advises the public to stay hydrated, seek shade during the hottest parts of the day, and avoid strenuous activity. Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain high, offering little respite from the heat, which can further impact sleep and recovery.
Wind speeds are generally expected to remain light across the UK, typically ranging from 5 to 10 mph, which will offer minimal cooling effect. However, a slight breeze might be felt in coastal areas. The current heatwave is attributed to a high-pressure system dominating the UK's weather, drawing in warm air from continental Europe.
Looking ahead, a change in weather patterns is expected early next week. The Met Office forecasts a shift to cooler conditions starting from Monday, with temperatures anticipated to drop to more seasonal averages. This change will likely be accompanied by an increased chance of showers or thunderstorms in some areas, bringing a definitive end to the current prolonged period of hot weather.
This extended heat health alert follows a series of warnings issued throughout the summer, reflecting an increasing trend in prolonged hot spells across the UK. Public health bodies continue to work alongside weather agencies to provide timely advice and support to mitigate the impacts of such extreme weather events.
Source: Met Office