UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat health alert for the East of England, London, the South East, and the South West. The warning alert runs from midday on Thursday to 8pm on Tuesday indicating official heatwave conditions in parts of south and east of the UK. the Midlands, by contrast, has been placed under the yellow alert with less severe conditions.
What this means for the affected regions
The amber warning is the second-highest tier in the UKHSA’s heat-health alerting system, run jointly with the Met Office. It is triggered when high temperatures are judged likely to place significant strain on health and social care services.
“Amber alerts suggest there is likely to be an increase in deaths, especially among those aged over 65 or with long-term health conditions.”
said UK Health Security Agency.
A hot weekend ahead
Friday, the 19th, is expected to be the first significantly hot day of the spell, with temperatures potentially climbing as high as 31°C urging people to take precautions. Saturday should bring a brief respite before the heat builds again. By Sunday and Monday, temperatures could rise further still, potentially touching 32 or 33°C in the warmest spots. Sunny spells are likely through the weekend, though forecasters caution the heat may also trigger isolated thunderstorms.
Elsewhere in the UK, Scotland and Northern Ireland are forecast to see outbreaks of heavy rain, while parts of northern England and Wales will also see wetter conditions, with temperatures there closer to the seasonal average of 17-24°C.
How long the heat will last
There remains uncertainty about how the weather will evolve into the middle of next week, though current modelling suggests the heat could persist in the south, including East Anglia, for some time yet.
Residents in Cambridge and the wider East of England are advised to check on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives, stay hydrated, and avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day while the amber alert remains in place.
