The UK is set to experience its fifth heatwave of the year, with forecasters predicting highs of 33C in the coming days. The Met Office has issued warnings as temperatures are expected to soar, prompting health alerts and raising concerns about wildfires.
Heat health alerts across England
Yellow heat health alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), came into force at 9am on Saturday, August 8, covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. These alerts are set to remain active until 9pm on Tuesday, August 11.
On Saturday, temperatures reached up to 28C in the south and south-east, with most of central England seeing 27C. The Met Office forecasts that the mercury will continue to rise, with the high 20s expected for most areas, and potentially reaching 33C in the south-east.
Rain and showers in the north
While much of the UK will enjoy dry and sunny conditions, Scotland, Northern Ireland, and northern England are expected to see some spells of rain. Isolated showers are also possible in the south-east of England on Sunday, August 9. Elsewhere, conditions are expected to remain largely dry and sunny.
The hot weather is likely to affect people's wellbeing and place extra pressure on healthcare services, according to the UKHSA. The agency advises vulnerable individuals, including the elderly and those with pre-existing health conditions, to take precautions during the heat.
Wildfire risk at 'exceptional' level
The Fire Severity Index, which uses Met Office data including rainfall, temperature, and humidity, indicates that any wildfires on Sunday are expected to be 'exceptionally severe' in almost all of the east and south-east of England. 'Exceptional' is the highest ranking on the index, which assesses the severity of a fire if it starts, though it does not cover the likelihood of wildfires occurring.
Recent weeks have seen several wildfires, including large blazes at Dunwich Heath in Suffolk, Headon Warren on the Isle of Wight, Llanwonno in the Rhondda Valleys, South Wales, and the Cairngorms National Park in Scotland.
Record-breaking heat and drought
The UK has already experienced four heatwaves this year, with two record-breaking ones in May and June leading to more than 2,800 excess deaths. Two further heatwaves in July have fuelled drought conditions and wildfires. Last month was the driest July for England and Wales since records began in 1836, according to provisional Met Office figures. Nineteen counties across England recorded effectively no rainfall – 1mm or less – across the whole month.
Reservoir storage in England has dipped to 69 per cent, down from 72 per cent a week ago and almost 12 percentage points below the long-term average for the time of year, the Environment Agency said. Storage stood at 85 per cent at the end of June, which was average for that point, but has fallen steadily since.
Reservoir levels and water supply concerns
Five reservoirs are now classed as having 'exceptionally low' levels: Blagdon in Somerset (54 per cent full); Clywedog in Powys, which provides water for central and north-west England (62 per cent); the Dove group of reservoirs in Derbyshire (74 per cent); Hanningfield in Essex (60 per cent); and Wimbleball in Somerset (50 per cent).
The National Trust is urging the public to sign a petition calling on the Government to make tackling climate change a national mission, as the heatwave and drought conditions continue to impact the environment and communities.
Looking ahead: More heat next week
Heatwave conditions are likely to return next week, with a high of 36C expected in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday, August 13, according to the Met Office. This sustained period of hot weather underscores the importance of staying hydrated, checking on vulnerable neighbours, and being vigilant about fire safety.
