London Heatwave: Amber Warning Issued as Temperatures to Hit 33C

An amber heat-health alert has been issued for London as forecasters warn temperatures could hit 33C next week, with officials cautioning there is now a heightened risk to life during the exceptional late-May heatwave.

Amber Alert Issued

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) upgraded the capital from a lower-level warning to an amber alert on Friday morning, covering the period from 2pm on Friday 22 May until 5pm on Wednesday 27 May. The alert applies across London, the South East, East Midlands, East of England and West Midlands, while yellow alerts remain in force for large parts of northern and south-west England.

Under the amber warning, officials say “significant impacts” are likely across health and social care services due to the prolonged spell of unusually hot weather. The UKHSA warned there could be “a rise in deaths”, particularly among people aged over 65 and those with existing health conditions, although younger people may also be affected.

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Forecast Details

Forecasters say the heatwave is expected to intensify through the Bank Holiday weekend, with London temperatures climbing from around 28C on Friday to 31C on Sunday before peaking at 33C on Monday. Temperatures are then expected to remain unusually high into next week, with 31C forecast again on Tuesday before easing slightly by Wednesday.

The alert also warns of overheating in hospitals, care homes and private homes, increased pressure on ambulance and NHS services, transport disruption, staffing difficulties and possible surges in power demand as people attempt to keep cool.

Record-Breaking Potential

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said temperatures could challenge long-standing national records. He said: “Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33°C recorded in southern England and the Midlands. It is likely that the May and Spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8°C. As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK.”

The current UK May temperature record stands at 32.8C, and meteorologists say it could be exceeded if forecast conditions materialise. The spell is also expected to officially qualify as a heatwave across much of southern England from Sunday onwards.

Cause of the Heat

Meteorologists say the heat is being generated largely by a strong area of high pressure parked over the UK. Rather than hot air moving directly from southern Europe, much of the warming is being caused by sinking air heating up as it descends through the atmosphere — a process known as adiabatic compression.

Health Advice

Health officials and charities are urging people to take precautions during the heat, especially with millions expected to spend time outdoors over the Bank Holiday weekend. Advice includes drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, keeping homes cool where possible and checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives.

Recent attribution research by the Met Office found that breaking the UK’s May temperature record is now around three times more likely due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.