The warning said the hot weather was expected to continue until mid-week before giving way to showers, thunderstorms and prolonged rain, which could lead to an increase in the death toll among elderly and vulnerable people.
Monday 24 June 2024 03:42 UK
A yellow heat warning has been issued for most of England today as temperatures are expected to reach 31C in parts of the country.
The notice covers all but one region of the country and highlights the risk of increased strain on health services due to predicted mini-heatwaves.
The warning, issued jointly by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office, came into force at 8am and will remain in force until 5pm on Thursday.
Temperatures are expected to soar to as much as 31C (87F) in some areas over the next few days, with “many places” expected to reach the mid-20s (77C).
See the latest weather forecast for your location
The strongest warnings have been issued for the East Midlands, East of England, East Anglia and the South East, saying “high temperatures are likely to have significant impacts across the health and social care sector”.
The UKHSA said these included “increased mortality rates across the population, particularly those over 65 and those with underlying health conditions, but potentially also affecting younger age groups.”
Image: High pressure causes temperatures to rise. Photo: iStock
The warning said there was an “increased risk of death for vulnerable people and an increased likelihood of very hot indoor environments” in the north west and north east of England, the west and south west of England and London.
The heatstroke warning service only covers England and the colours are green (no warning issued), yellow (action required), amber (enhanced action required) and red (urgent action) indicating there is a serious danger to life.
Met Office forecaster Liam Eslick said Monday would be mostly dry with “much sunshine” and a maximum temperature of 28C (82F).
Western Scotland and Northern Ireland are expected to experience mostly cloudy and overcast skies on Tuesday, while northern England could see rain and thunderstorms, but the rest of England will see “increasing sunshine” and temperatures rising into the mid to upper 20s.
Pictured: People gathering on Bournemouth beach at the weekend. Photo: PA
Forecasters said Wednesday was likely to be the warmest day yet, with highs reaching 30 degrees Celsius (86 F) in the Southeast.
Temperatures are expected to remain “widely warm” on Thursday, with highs expected to reach up to 31C in some areas.
The hot weather will be temporary
The upcoming heatwave comes at the end of a wet spring, with England and Wales seeing 32 per cent more rain than normal, making England the fifth-wettest on record and Wales the eighth-wettest, according to the Met Office.
However, the heat is only expected to last until mid-week, when it will give way to showers, thunderstorms and prolonged rain.
The rain is coming in from the Atlantic Ocean and is expected to stop for a few days due to high pressure.
Honor Criswick, practising meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Temperatures will start to rise over the course of next week but this will be for a very short period of time.”
read more:
Heatwave possible next week – but there's a catch
How hot is too hot for the human body to function?
Follow Sky News on WhatsApp
Follow Sky News for the latest UK and world news
Tap here
Despite the wet weather, Britain experienced its warmest May and spring on record.
The average temperature was 13.1°C, beating the previous record of 12.1°C set in 2008.
This is a limited version of the story, so unfortunately this content is no longer available.
Open the full version
Dan Rudman, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “Whether or not all areas experience the heatwave threshold, much of the UK will experience its hottest temperatures so far this year.”
“From Wednesday onwards, the forecast becomes much less reliable due to uncertainty as to how long the heat will last and how it will subside, so we'll be keeping a close eye on that over the next few days.”
“However, temperatures are likely to drop next weekend and the weather will become more changeable.”
