The Met Office has issued a warning that eight regions in the UK are expected to experience temperatures reaching up to 35C on Tuesday.
Following a record-breaking heatwave in May, with the south of the country being particularly affected over the bank holiday weekend, the national weather service highlighted that high temperatures will persist. On Monday, the UK saw its highest May temperature ever, reaching 33.5C at Heathrow before hitting a new record of 34.8C at Kew Gardens in London.
The Met Office anticipates another scorching day on Tuesday, with temperatures rapidly climbing in the morning. London, the Home Counties, and Cambridgeshire are likely to reach 35C, while temperatures exceeding 30C are expected in eastern Wales and across eastern, southern, and central England, excluding coastal areas.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for five English regions due to the potential strain on health and social care services caused by the high temperatures. The agency emphasized the risk of increased mortality, especially among individuals aged 65 and above or those with underlying health issues.
The Met Office forecasts that the heatwave will persist throughout the week, with temperatures predicted to reach 31C on Wednesday, 30C on Thursday, 27C on Friday, and 28C on Saturday.
Dr. Anya Gopfert, a health protection consultant at UKHSA, emphasized the importance of taking precautions during hot weather, particularly for vulnerable individuals. Checking on elderly family members, friends, or neighbors and ensuring they are aware of weather forecasts and safety advice is crucial.
As people in the UK prepare to enjoy the sunny weather with loved ones, the British Red Cross has provided guidance on staying safe. Dafydd Beech, the national community education manager at the British Red Cross, highlighted the significance of taking precautions to prevent dehydration, sunburn, or heatstroke when spending time outdoors during the summer months. Simple measures such as using sunscreen, staying hydrated, and taking breaks from the sun can help individuals enjoy the warm weather safely. Developing these habits early can better prepare individuals for prolonged periods of hot weather.