The Met Office has predicted that heatwave conditions could be met across parts of the UK, with a five-day heat alert issued for several areas. Temperatures are expected to rise to as high as 32C in some locations.
Heat-Health Alert Issued
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued a yellow heat-health alert for four regions: the East Midlands, South East, London, and East of England. The alert will be in place from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, until 8pm on Monday, June 22.
According to the UKHSA, minor impacts are likely across health and social care services. These include increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable people, a greater risk to life for vulnerable individuals, increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm, and a potential rise in water-related incidents, including risks from cold-water shock and drowning.
Temperature Forecast
The Met Office has forecast heatwave conditions for parts of the UK this weekend, with some areas expected to be hotter than Barbados. Temperatures are predicted to climb steadily into the high 20s later this week, with southern parts of England potentially reaching 30C by Friday, June 19.
A heatwave is declared when there are three consecutive days where daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed the heatwave temperature threshold. Some areas in the south and south-east of England are likely to meet these criteria by Saturday, June 20, with more areas following on Sunday, June 21. The warmest locations could see highs of 32C.
The threshold varies by county, ranging from 25C across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, and parts of the south-west of England, to 28C in London and its surrounding counties.
Local Impact
Matt Day, general manager at Beccles Lido in Suffolk, expects an increase in visitors this weekend due to the heatwave. He noted a clear trend between forecast weather and attendance numbers. On a typical weekend, the Lido attracts 200 to 500 people, but during heatwaves, visitor numbers can increase to 500 to 600 per day.
