Birmingham households have been advised to close their curtains until Tuesday as a heatwave brings temperatures of up to 31°C. The heatwave is forecast to peak on Monday, June 22, with the mercury reaching the low thirties.
Heat-Health Alert Issued
A yellow heat-health alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has been triggered and will remain active until 8pm on Tuesday, June 23. The alert warns of potentially dangerous conditions as the country faces sweltering temperatures.
How to Stay Safe in the Heat
The Met Office has issued guidance to help people stay safe during the heatwave. Key recommendations include:
- Keep out of the sun and avoid strenuous exercise between 11am and 3pm, when the sun is strongest.
- Drink plenty of fluids to stay hydrated.
- Close curtains in rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler.
- If going outside, carry water, seek shade, apply sunscreen, and wear a wide-brimmed hat.
Weather Forecast Details
According to the BBC Weather forecast, Monday will be mostly dry with sunny spells, though isolated showers may occur in Scotland and southern England. The south-east will experience a very warm or hot day.
Looking at Friday, June 19, the BBC reports: Scotland, Northern Ireland, and far northern England will be largely cloudy with outbreaks of rain, heavy in places. Wales will have patchy rain, while southern and eastern England will be hot and sunny.
Tonight will be mostly cloudy with patchy rain sinking southwards across England and Wales. Scotland and Northern Ireland will see mostly cloudy skies with showers, while the south-east remains dry and clear.
Cause of the Heatwave
The UK weather is being influenced by a large and likely record-breaking heatwave developing across western Europe, caused by a static area of high pressure. The high pressure acts like a lid, trapping warm air underneath and causing temperatures to rise further, creating a so-called "heat dome," according to the BBC.
