A yellow heat health alert has been issued for large parts of England, with temperatures expected to rise above 30°C early next week, according to forecasts from the Met Office.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the warning from midday on Monday until 6pm on Wednesday, covering London, the South East, South West, East of England, East Midlands, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
The Met Office expects temperatures to exceed 30°C (86°F) across central, southern, and eastern England on both Monday and Tuesday, with the possibility of even higher readings in some areas.
Health officials have warned that the extreme heat may put additional strain on healthcare and social care services. The risk of illness and fatalities is expected to rise, particularly among vulnerable groups such as the elderly and those with existing health conditions.
Steven Keates, Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office, said the UK is likely to experience a sharp rise in temperatures by the start of next week. “We’re confident that temperatures will increase markedly by the start of next week, reaching the low 30s celsius in parts of England on Monday, and perhaps the mid-30s in a few places on Tuesday,” he added.
“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.”
So far this summer, the UK has experienced three heatwaves, with temperatures consistently topping 30°C in July. The current alert highlights the ongoing impact of climate-related weather extremes on public health and infrastructure.
Residents are advised to stay hydrated, avoid direct sun during peak hours, and check in on elderly neighbours and vulnerable individuals during the hottest part of the day.
