UK heatwave sparks 5-day health warning as three regions spared – check your area
The UK is set to bask in blistering temperatures hitting 30C later this week.
A UK heatwave over the coming days has sparked a 5-day health warning, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures could hit 30C. On Monday, the Met Office predicted a heatwave to hit the UK this week as a band of hot weather sweeps across the country. An official heatwave is recorded when temperatures remain above certain levels for three consecutive days - with thresholds varying between 25C and 28C across different parts of the UK.
Forecasts for London, where the heatwave threshold is 28C, predict highs of 29C by Thursday, rising to 31C on Friday and 32C on Saturday. Meanwhile, regions further north including Manchester and Newcastle are also expected to enjoy a spike in the mercury to the high 20s by the weekend. The incoming spell of hot weather has sparked warnings from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), with health alerts in place from 12pm on June 18 to 6pm on June 22, for all put three parts of England.
North west and north east England will be the only areas not under a yellow, amber or red alert, with Cumbria, Northumberland and Lancashire the few places where people won't be at risk from the heat.
The agency has put the entire rest of England under yellow alert - meaning the high temperatures aren't likely to impact most people, but could put those who are already vulnerable at further risk.
The rise in temperatures from Thursday has been linked to southerly winds ushering in warm air from continental Europe.
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley said: "Heat is the main story this week, with high pressure building and temperatures rising to heatwave levels in some areas by the weekend.
"Today and tomorrow, we could see maximum temperatures of 27C in the south of England, and 29C on Thursday."
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"The trend for temperatures to rise continues into Friday, with a maximum of 30C in central England," he added.
"With the hot temperatures, we could also see some thundery showers across the far west Friday night into Saturday.
"Widespread very warm conditions are expected on Saturday, with a top temperature of 32C. Sunday looks to see the peak of the very warm spell, with a headline max of 33C possible.
"Warm and perhaps even 'tropical nights' will also be a feature this week."
The London Fire Brigade has also issued a warning over wildfires ahead of this week's spell of hot weather, following one of the UK's driest springs on record.
