Third heatwave of year declared with days of hot weather forecast and 'tropical nights' to hit UK
The UK has entered its third heatwave of the year with temperatures expected to climb as high as 35C in some areas later this week the Met Office has said. South east England has now officially met the heatwave criteria after three days of temperatures above 28C according to the forecaster, and temperatures are set to continue to rise across the UK throughout the week with more regions likely to reach their local heatwave thresholds.
Parts of southern England could see temperature highs of about 32C on Tuesday rising to 33C on Wednesday and 34C on Thursday with the highest readings of 35C forecast for isolated areas on Friday and Saturday. On Monday the highest temperature was recorded as 34C in Teddington south-west London. While southern areas are set to face increasingly hot conditions from Monday evening a north-south divide will persist through the first half of the week.
Scotland should see stronger winds and outbreaks of rain on Tuesday with temperatures remaining generally closer to the average for this time of the year. But by the weekend the warm air is forecast to reach northern parts of the UK and conditions are set to become increasingly humid with a growing risk of showers or isolated thunderstorms.
Early next week temperatures are likely to fall slightly though many areas will stay dry and warm. Steven Keates deputy chief forecaster said "Parts of the UK are entering heatwave conditions the third heatwave in the UK so far this year However unlike the May and June heatwaves we are not expecting this heatwave to be record-breaking." He advised that people should take the usual precautions with the heat and the sun.
The Met Office warned England could experience tropical nights later this week where temperatures will not fall below 20C. Amber heat health alerts have been issued by the UK Health Security Agency UKHSA for the Midlands and southern England from 9am on Wednesday until 9pm on Sunday, meaning significant impacts are likely across health and social care services including a rise in deaths particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. Yellow heat health alerts have also been issued for Yorkshire and northern England between 9am on Wednesday to 9pm on Sunday. The Met Office advised that UV levels are expected to be high or very high across many parts of the UK throughout the week and urged people to ensure they use sun protection.