The Met Office has warned that the UK heatwave is developing into a "record breaker" as it confirmed the exact start time of an amber weather alert lasting four days. The alert will begin tomorrow at 1am, with temperatures expected to rise "quickly" thereafter, according to forecasters.
Record-Breaking Temperatures Expected
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said: "The forecast heatwave is developing into an impactful severe weather event, with record breaking June temperatures and very high humidity. The combination of heat and humidity will be oppressive and bring impacts across society from public health and infrastructure, to power and water supplies."
Crabtree added: "As well as very high daytime temperatures, there will be consecutive nights where temperatures do not drop below 20°C, which is called a Tropical Night. This will make it very hard for people to recover from the daytime heat, exacerbating the heat stress impacts."
Historical Records at Risk
It is now likely that the current highest temperature on record for June will be broken. That record stands at 35.6°C, recorded in Southampton in June 1976 and at Camden Square in June 1957. The Met Office outlook for Monday, June 22, states: "A little showery rain is possible for a time in the west, but generally dry and bright with sunny spells for most of us. Feeling hot and humid for many."
The outlook for Tuesday to Thursday, June 23 to June 25, adds: "Remaining dry and sunny throughout the period, although cloud and a little rain in the northwest by Wednesday. Feeling hot in the strong sunshine and increasingly warm and humid overnight."
Health Alerts and Expert Predictions
The UK Health Security Agency has already issued separate amber and yellow heat health alerts across large swathes of England. The BBC has also forecast "extreme heat" for Monday. Nick Finnis, for Netweather TV, predicted there is a high chance that the UK could record its highest June temperature on record this coming week.
Finnis wrote in a blog post: "This follows shortly after the UK recorded its highest May temperature on record only a few weeks ago, though the heatwave intensifying through the coming week will be accompanied by higher humidity too, making it feel more uncomfortable. While 'tropical nights', where the temperature doesn't fall below 20°C at night, are likely in some areas too, which will mean no relief at night either."
The prolonged heatwave is expected to bring significant impacts across society, including public health risks, pressure on infrastructure, and potential disruptions to power and water supplies. Authorities urge the public to take precautions, stay hydrated, and check on vulnerable individuals.
