The Met Office has confirmed that heatwave conditions are expected across the UK this weekend, with some areas potentially becoming hotter than Barbados. Temperatures are forecast to climb steadily into the high 20s across Britain later this week, with the mercury possibly hitting 30C in southern parts of England by Friday, June 19.
Heatwave Criteria
Some areas in the south and south-east of England are likely to meet heatwave criteria by Saturday, June 20, and more widely on Sunday, June 21. Highs of 32C could be reached in the warmest locations. The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days when daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed the heatwave temperature threshold. This threshold varies by county, ranging from 25C across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and parts of south-west England, to 28C in London and its surrounding counties.
Comparison with Barbados
The eastern Caribbean island of Barbados is expected to see temperatures between 26C and 30C on Sunday. However, the south and south-east of England could be hotter on Monday, June 22, potentially reaching 33C in some areas, according to the Met Office.
Alongside the hot weather, there will be spells of rain, especially across northern and western areas, as well as a slight chance of thunderstorms across south-eastern England.
Health Alert Issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert for the East Midlands, the East of England, London, and the south-east of England from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8pm on Monday, June 22. A yellow alert indicates a greater risk to life for vulnerable people and increased use of healthcare services by this demographic. There is also an increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm and a likely rise in water-related incidents, including risks from cold water shock and drowning.
Forecaster's Comments
Gregory Wolverson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "This week’s weather reflects a contrast we often see in summer, with more unsettled conditions passing to the north-west of the UK while heat builds in the south and east. As we move towards the weekend, we’ll see conditions become more widely settled and temperatures rise all round. Many parts of southern and eastern England are likely to see temperatures high enough to meet heatwave thresholds."
He added: "It’s important to note that while temperatures may be high, we might not all see the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies we experienced back in May, because there is more cloud around. There is also a chance of thunderstorms developing in places, particularly later each day, which could bring heavy showers and localised impacts."
The Met Office also warned that people heading to the coast should be careful with sea-surface temperatures, which are not as high as they would be in mid-summer. This warning comes after at least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell earlier in June.
