Britain is set to experience its fifth heatwave of the year, with temperatures forecast to reach a scorching 36C across 27 counties in England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health alerts for multiple regions, warning that the hot weather is likely to affect the wellbeing of the population.
Heat Alerts and Forecast
The yellow heat health alerts are in effect from 9am on Saturday to 9pm on Tuesday, covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire and the Humber, and London. These alerts follow the Met Office's warning that heatwave conditions are expected to return to many parts of the UK next week.
According to the latest weather maps from WXCharts.com, a fierce burst of heat is anticipated to scorch vast swathes of England, with temperatures surging as high as 36C. The figures indicate that on 13 August, stifling conditions will affect more than two dozen counties, with the most intense heat stretching from the South and South East through the Midlands and into eastern England. Across the rest of the country, temperatures will be considerably lower.
Regional Variations
Scotland and Northern Ireland are largely sitting in the teens and low 20s, while western parts of Wales and northern England are escaping the most punishing of the oppressive conditions. Meteorologists predict that temperatures could reach 36C in parts of East Anglia and south-east England by Thursday, according to the Express.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone said: "Temperatures will climb through the weekend and, more significantly, through much of next week. After a brief dip on Monday, high pressure will move across the UK before settling to the east, allowing a southerly flow to develop.
"A fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing in places. The heat is expected to peak for much of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland on Wednesday, with up to 34C possible in parts of central and southern England and southeast Wales. East Anglia and south-east England, however, could see temperatures even higher on Thursday.
"Humidity levels are also expected to increase through the week, which may make conditions feel more uncomfortable, particularly overnight."
Long-Range Outlook
The Met Office's long-range forecast for 12th to 21st August stated: "A mixed start is likely to this period, with some rain or showers in the north and quite breezy conditions while in the south it will be mostly dry, sunny and hot, even very hot in some places. Southern parts are likely to turn cooler and fresher next weekend though."
As the UK prepares for its fifth heatwave of the year, health officials are urging the public to stay hydrated, avoid excessive sun exposure, and check on vulnerable individuals. The heat is expected to peak for many areas on Wednesday, with the potential for record-breaking temperatures in some regions.
Counties Expected to Exceed 30C
The following 27 counties are forecast to experience temperatures above 30C:
- Bedfordshire
- Berkshire
- Buckinghamshire
- Cambridgeshire
- Devon
- Dorset
- East Sussex
- Essex
- Gloucestershire
- Greater London
- Hampshire
- Hertfordshire
- Kent
- Leicestershire
- Lincolnshire
- Norfolk
- Northamptonshire
- Oxfordshire
- Rutland
- Somerset
- Suffolk
- Surrey
- Warwickshire
- West Midlands
- West Sussex
- Wiltshire
- Worcestershire
Residents in these areas are advised to take precautions as the heatwave intensifies, with the UKHSA emphasizing the importance of looking out for those most at risk, including the elderly and young children.
