Met Office issues yellow heat alert for six days as blistering heat swelters UK
An urgent health warning issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office has been extended until next Monday as the UK continues to bake in a blistering heatwave.
Met Office: Weather forecast UK
The Met Office has issued an urgent yellow heat warning for nearly a week as Britain braces for more sweltering heat. All regions of England have been placed under the heat alert until Monday June 19 at 9am.
As per the new heat alert system, introduced by UKHSA and the Met Office, a yellow alert has several potential consequences.
These include an increased strain on the NHS among vulnerable groups, along with an elevated health risk for individuals aged 65 and above, as well as those with pre-existing health conditions like respiratory and cardiovascular ailments.
Furthermore, there exists the possibility of indoor spaces, including healthcare and care facilities, becoming excessively warm.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.
“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
This comes after the Met Office declared a heatwave ranging from the north west to the south east of England.
A heatwave is characterised by daily maximum temperatures reaching or surpassing the heatwave temperature threshold consistently for three consecutive days.
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The exact temperature threshold varies across counties, with the highest being 28C in and around London, and the lowest being 25C in Scotland, Northern Ireland, and the northern regions of England.
However, despite the high temperatures, large swathes of the country were battered by intense thunderstorms and downpours.
The Met Office issued thunderstorm warnings covering several areas yesterday, with northern parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland still covered by a yellow warning this evening.
The warning, which is in place from noon today until 9pm, warns of possible disruption and travel chaos caused by the adverse weather conditions.
The Met Office said there is a likelihood homes and businesses could be flooded as many areas see around 20-30 mm of rainfall in an hour or less.
Some areas may be battered with 40-50 mm.
The Met Office added: “Frequent lightning and hail of 2-3 cm in diameter are additional hazards which will accompany stronger storms.”