The UK is bracing itself for its fifth heatwave of the year as temperatures are expected to climb dramatically over the coming days, prompting multiple health warnings. The latest forecasts predict that 27 counties will experience sweltering conditions with temperatures soaring above 30°C.
According to weather data from WXCharts.com, large parts of England are set to face intense heat, with temperatures reaching as high as 36°C. The most severe heat is anticipated on Sunday, 13 August, affecting a wide swathe of the country stretching from the South and South East, through the Midlands, and across eastern England. Meanwhile, cooler conditions are expected to persist in other areas.
Scotland and Northern Ireland are projected to see milder temperatures generally in the teens and low 20s Celsius, while western regions of Wales and northern England are likely to avoid the most extreme heat.
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The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts covering several regions including the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. These alerts remain in place from 9am on Saturday until 9pm the following Tuesday and warn that the high temperatures may negatively impact the general public’s wellbeing.
The Met Office has also confirmed the return of heatwave conditions across large parts of the UK next week. Temperatures are expected to steadily rise throughout the weekend before surging sharply towards the middle of the week.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone explained:
“Temperatures will climb through the weekend and, more significantly, through much of next week. After a brief dip on Monday, high pressure will move across the UK before settling to the east, allowing a southerly flow to develop.
“A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places.
“The heat is expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34°C possible in parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales.
“East Anglia and south-east England, however, could see temperatures even higher on Thursday.
“Humidity levels are also expected to increase through the week, which may make conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight.”
The UKHSA and Met Office advise people to take care during this period of significant heat, remaining hydrated and avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day.
Looking beyond the heatwave, the agency’s long-range forecast for 12 to 21 August suggests a mixed start to the period, with some rain and breezy conditions in the north. In contrast, southern regions will experience mostly dry, sunny and hot weather, potentially very hot in some places. However, southern areas are expected to become cooler and fresher by the following weekend.
This latest heatwave comes amid a summer marked by repeated spells of high temperatures, raising concerns about health and safety during prolonged periods of heat across the UK.