Heat alerts issued for most of England with temperatures above 30C forecast again

An amber heat health alert has been issued for much of England due to predicted temperatures above 30C (86F) over the weekend. The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), covers London, the East Midlands, and the south-west, south-east, and east of England. It will be in effect from midday on Friday until 6pm on Tuesday. A yellow alert has also been issued for Yorkshire and the Humber, and the West Midlands.

The UKHSA alert system, developed with the Met Office, provides early warnings about weather-related health risks. An amber alert signifies that hot weather is expected to impact health and social care services. This follows a previous amber alert on 19 June when temperatures reached 32.2C in Kew, west London, leading to heatwave declarations in England and Wales.

Eastern England is forecast to reach 27C on Thursday, with possible thunderstorms in the south and east due to warm, humid air. Temperatures are set to rise before the weekend, with highs of up to 28C in southern and eastern regions by Friday. Western areas may experience heavy rain, while the east could remain dry with sunny spells.

Meteorologist Honor Criswick from the Met Office stated that unsettled weather is expected initially, with heavy rain in Scotland. However, sunny spells will return in the afternoon, bringing a fresher feel to the air. Criswick cautioned about the likelihood of rain towards the end of the week and into the weekend due to low pressure.

Scientists attribute the increasing frequency and intensity of heatwaves to the climate crisis, particularly in the early summer months.