The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat-health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, South East and London, with yellow alerts covering the North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, West Midlands and South West. The warnings are in force from Monday until Wednesday morning.
Forecasters at the Met Office predict that parts of the South East could reach 35C on Monday, a temperature higher than the forecast highs in the Greek islands of Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini. Much of central and southern England is expected to see temperatures in the upper 20s to low 30s before a slow decline later in the week.
Monday Set to Be the Hottest Day
Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: "We're going with a headline tomorrow of 34C, but with a potential for local 35C in the South East, the Midlands into the low 30s as well." He explained that central and southern England would see widely high 20s to low 30s, approaching or touching the mid-30s in the South East.
Petagna added: "So central and southern England, widely high 20s to low 30s, and approaching or if not touching, the mid 30s in the South East. Tomorrow is the peak of the heat; temperatures do come down a little bit, we're still talking 28 to 30C on Tuesday. Again, the South East and East Anglia we're seeing the highest temperatures on Tuesday, so not as extreme as tomorrow, but still well above average."
He continued: "And then even by Wednesday, we're looking at high 20s, 26 or 27C, in the South East. But it's a gradual cooling down process through the week, and always cooler towards the North and West in any case, high teens, low 20s, but certainly central and South East England seeing hot weather returning briefly, and a lot of sunshine to come in the South East as well."
Rain and Showers Moving In
Petagna said low pressure moving in from the west could bring rain to northern and western parts of the UK, with a chance of showers reaching the South East on Tuesday and Wednesday. Parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland could see heavy rain, and weather warnings are possible in parts of Scotland.
Wales is forecast to see highs in the high 20s on Monday before cooling to the mid-20s on the following days, according to Petagna.
Health Alerts and NHS Pressures
The UKHSA's amber alert warns that the heat could place extra pressure on the National Health Service, with more vulnerable people likely to require medical treatment. Polly Ashmore of the UKHSA said: "Periods of hot weather can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun."
Ashmore urged health and social care services in affected regions to be prepared, and reminded people to look out for elderly relatives, neighbours and those with underlying health conditions. She advised staying hydrated, avoiding the sun during the hottest part of the day, and keeping homes cool as key ways to stay safe.
Additional Risk for People Living with Dementia
Angelo Makri, of the Alzheimer's Society, emphasised that high temperatures pose a serious risk for people with dementia. He said: "People should absolutely enjoy the warmer weather, but it's important to remember that high temperatures can pose serious risks for people living with dementia if they are not supported to stay cool and hydrated."
Makri explained that people with dementia may not always recognise when they need a drink or wear suitable clothing, which increases the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. He urged families, friends and carers to make sure loved ones are drinking enough, wearing light clothing and staying indoors as much as possible during the extreme heat.
