A blazing heatwave is expected to move across significant areas of the UK, bringing back scorching temperatures. After a period of cooler, wet conditions, summer is primed to return forcefully this weekend, with temperatures predicted to rise as high as 30C according to the Met Office.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a grave alert regarding the “increased risk to vulnerable individuals’ lives” as a new yellow heat health warning is set to be in effect. The alert is scheduled from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, to 8pm on Monday, June 22. Concerns include heightened demand on healthcare services from vulnerable populations, uncomfortably warm indoor settings, and an elevated risk of water-related incidents.

The warning will encompass London, the South East, East of England, and the East Midlands, as confirmed by the UKHSA. The Met Office has advised that temperatures in the South East could reach heatwave levels over the weekend.

According to a UKHSA spokesperson, Friday is expected to bring very warm, potentially hot conditions to southeastern and some eastern parts of England, along with higher humidity and the possibility of isolated thunderstorms. The duration of the warm spell remains uncertain as a weak weather front approaching on Saturday could lead to slightly cooler temperatures and fresher conditions. However, there is a chance that the front may stall over the South East, maintaining very warm or hot conditions, possibly spreading again in the following week.

Met Office meteorologist Jonathan Vautrey cautioned that rising temperatures and increasing humidity may coincide with cloudy skies across much of the country. “By Friday, parts of southeastern England could see temperatures hitting 30C,” stated Mr. Vautrey. He added that the exact temperatures would depend on cloud cover since there would be a fair amount of cloudiness throughout the week, alongside warmer weather and higher humidity levels.

Mr. Vautrey also mentioned that the West Midlands, sections of the West Country, and parts of Wales are anticipated to experience temperatures in the mid-teens by the end of the week. In contrast, Scotland and Northern Ireland are likely to have cloudier conditions and rain throughout the week, with temperatures not expected to exceed 20C to 21C in those regions.