The Met Office has forecast temperatures to climb to 34C next week, marking the return of heatwave conditions to parts of the UK. Yellow heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) covering the East Midlands, east, south-east and south-west of England, including London, and the West Midlands from midday on Saturday until 8pm on July 11.
Temperature Forecast Details
According to the Met Office, mercury levels are expected to reach 29C on Sunday before climbing into the low 30s next week, peaking at 34C on Thursday and Friday across the South East. Meteorologist Becky Mitchell stated: "We have got a heatwave on the way across parts of southern England and Wales, temperatures are already quite high across the South East today, we could get 28C in London." She added: "The peak of the heat appears to be Thursday or Friday, 34C in the South East."
Comparison to June Heatwave
The forecaster noted that while an extended period of hot weather is anticipated, conditions will not be as sweltering and humid as last month's heatwave. Mitchell commented: "By comparison to the heatwave we saw in June, this heatwave won't be as hot and humid, but it will be a prolonged spell of hot weather which lasts around a week."
Health Alerts and Risks
Health authorities are concerned that climbing temperatures could pose a heightened risk to vulnerable individuals. The UKHSA indicated that minor disruption was probable across health and social care services within the alert zone. This could result in heightened demand for healthcare services amongst vulnerable individuals and an elevated risk to life for the same demographic. It also cautioned about a possible rise in water-related incidents, including dangers from cold water shock and drowning.
Hosepipe Ban Imposed
The scorching conditions have prompted Southern Water to impose a hosepipe ban from 12.01am on July 10 across Hampshire and the Isle of Wight. Southern Water stated: "To protect local rivers, including the River Test and Itchen that supply most of your water, and to keep taps flowing, we need to introduce restrictions." The company added that customers with medical needs may still need to use a hosepipe, and those on the priority services register with medical or mobility needs, including blue badge holders and those on the WaterSure tariff, are exempt.
Regional Weather Split
Mitchell explained the north/south divide: "The northern areas of the country will be cloudier with spells of rain at times, so there's a north/south split." Temperatures in northern regions will be closer to average but will climb as the week progresses.
