Heat-health alert issued as England braces for 30C weekend temperatures

A heat-health warning has been announced for certain areas of England as temperatures are expected to soar to 30C (86F) over the weekend. The alert is active from 9am on Friday 9 June to 9am on Monday 12 June, covering London, the Midlands, and eastern and southern England. The public is urged to keep an eye on vulnerable friends and family members as the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns that the health and social care sectors may be affected.

The initial yellow alert indicates that the upcoming weekend, which is set to be hotter than Ibiza and Madrid, could impact vulnerable individuals, such as those over 65 years old and those with underlying health conditions. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, stated: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.”

He added that the forecasted temperatures this week could primarily affect those over 65 or those with pre-existing health issues like respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Dr Sousa emphasised the importance of checking on friends, family, or neighbours who may be more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather.

BBC Weather meteorologist Tomasz Schafernaker said that parts of central and southern England might meet the UK’s official heatwave threshold this weekend. For a heatwave to be declared, temperatures must be above the official heatwave threshold for at least three consecutive days. He explained: “Typically highs will reach the mid to high 20s widely across the country, but there is an outside chance of 30C in England. This is dependent on sunshine.”

Schafernaker also mentioned that the forecasts point to increasing amounts of cloud and the chance of thunderstorms, which will affect the highest temperatures. Due to the rising humidity, nights are expected to become uncomfortable over the weekend.

Many regions in the country have experienced little rain lately, with some parts of England not having any rain since 11 May. Last year was the UK’s warmest ever, with Coningsby in Lincolnshire reaching a record 40.3C on 19 July. The UKHSA anticipates that heatwaves are “likely to occur more often, be more intense and last longer in the years and decades ahead.”

The newly launched colour-coded alert system, managed by the UKHSA and the Met Office, aims to reduce illness and deaths among the most vulnerable. Two more alerts, not yet issued, represent a higher risk. Individuals can sign up to receive alerts directly, specifying which region they would like to receive alerts for.