UK health officials have issued yellow warnings as a heatwave is expected to push temperatures above 30°C in south-east England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow heat health warnings for all of England, excluding the north-east and north-west, until Wednesday.
The UKHSA warns that the hot weather may have significant impacts on health and social care, particularly in the south-east and London.
Temperatures are forecasted to reach 30°C in London on Monday, 32°C on Tuesday, and then drop slightly to 29°C on Wednesday and Thursday. On Sunday, temperatures peaked at 27.3°C in Charlwood, Surrey, as the heat started building up.
The rising temperatures are due to a shift from lower to higher pressure as the jet stream weakens to the west of the UK, resulting in drier, sunnier weather.
Thunderstorms expected across the UK, bringing potential disruptions amid ongoing heatwave conditions.Heatwave conditions are defined by three consecutive days of temperatures meeting or exceeding regional thresholds, such as 28°C in London and 25°C in the north of England, Wales, Northern Ireland, and Scotland.
Last week, the climate campaign group Round Our Way raised concerns about the impact of rising temperatures on children and teachers in classrooms, as their research indicated that temperatures exceeded the recommended maximum of 26°C during the June heatwave.
The UKHSA advises people to check on vulnerable individuals, including children, the elderly, and those with underlying health conditions, during heatwaves. Recommendations include keeping curtains closed on sun-facing rooms, staying hydrated, avoiding strenuous activity during peak heat, and staying out of the sun between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m.
In addition, the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms across much of the UK, particularly in southern England, the Midlands, and the north of England, from 12 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday.