Parts of Britain will swelter in the first heatwave of the summer holidays next week with temperatures set to hit 33C as a new blast of warm weather sweeps in.
Families are set to flock to beaches and parks to enjoy the sunshine with heatwave conditions expected to begin in southern areas of England on Sunday or Monday.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert for all of England apart from the North, from 12pm on Monday until 6pm on Wednesday.
Government officials have warned of ‘significant impacts’ across health and social care services due to the high temperatures – including the potential for a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
An official heatwave is recorded when areas reach a certain temperature for three days in a row, with thresholds varying from 25C (77F) to 28C (82F) in different areas.
The Met Office expects temperatures in London to rise from 25C (77F) today to 26C (79F) tomorrow, then 28C (82F) on Sunday, 31C on Monday (88F) and 33C (91F) on Tuesday. The mercury is set to then remain above 28C on Wednesday and Thursday.
The latest UKHSA warning comes after the UK has already had three heatwaves this summer. A combination of amber and yellow heat health warnings were issued in England last month when temperatures exceeded 30C (86) in parts of the country.
Before the heatwave arrives, the UK faces changeable weather this weekend with a mix of sunshine and showers – although conditions will be drier in the South.
People enjoying the hot weather on Sunny Sands beach in Folkestone, Kent, on July 12
This morning was bright for many, with sunny spells in southern and central areas – although northern Scotland will remain breezy, with showery outbreaks of rain.
Tomorrow also looks largely fine for much of England and Wales, with sunny spells – but again some rain in northern areas, particularly in North West Scotland.
Sunday will see a weather front move in from the West bringing rain to Northern Ireland, parts of Scotland and potentially northern England by evening.
However central and southern areas are expected to remain dry with sunny spells, and temperatures will begin to rise as the remnants of Tropical Storm Dexter draw warm air up from the South West.
Temperatures will exceed 30C in places across parts of central, southern and eastern England on Monday and Tuesday.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Steven Keates said: ‘We’re confident that temperatures will increase markedly by the start of next week, reaching the low 30Cs in parts of England on Monday and perhaps the mid 30Cs in a few places on Tuesday.
‘However, the length of this warm spell is still uncertain, and it is possible that high temperatures could persist further into next week, particularly in the south.
‘Ex-Dexter sets the wheels in motion for an uptick in temperatures, but the weather patterns then maintaining any hot weather are rather more uncertain.’
Anya Gopfert, UKHSA consultant in public health, said: ‘Our findings show that even moderate heat can lead to serious health outcomes, especially for older adults. It is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
‘The weather is expected to become warm across several regions from Monday, with conditions likely to persist for a few days. Temperatures may reach, and in some places exceed, 30C.
‘If you have friends, family, or neighbours who may be more vulnerable to these conditions, please check in on them. Make sure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.’
