Britain is once again set to absolutely sizzle as a third spell of scorching weather looks set to hit the UK prompting fresh health warnings for millions.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow Heat-Health Alert covering the East Midlands, East of England, London, the South East and the South West from midday on Saturday until 5pm on Wednesday.
Officials have also issued a warning saying that the hot weather, set to reach over 30C, looks to increase pressure on health and social care services. They warned it also poses a greater risk to vulnerable people, including older adults and those with existing health conditions.
The alert comes as the Met Office says temperatures are set to shoot up steadily after what has been a brief spell of cooler weather across Britain.
The heat is set to return this weekend however, with forecasters warning that it will be “turning hot” across southern Britain as high pressure builds in from the Azores.
Temperatures are expected to reach the high 20Cs widely, with some parts of the South East potentially hitting 30C and above.
Met Office deputy chief forecaster Tony Wisson said a return to heatwave conditions was becoming “increasingly likely” for some areas, although temperatures are not expected to reach the record-breaking levels seen last week.
The latest hot spell follows an extraordinary end to June when the UK recorded its hottest June day on record. A temperature of 37.7C was recorded at Lingwood, Norfolk, smashing the previous June record of 35.6C, which had stood since 1976.
The blistering conditions also saw rare red heat warnings issued, with several hospitals declaring critical incidents after equipment and IT systems struggled in the heat, as well as hundreds of schools closing early as classrooms became too hot.
Forecasters say this latest spell is unlikely to be quite as humid or extreme as last week’s heatwave, but southern parts of England are still expected to bear the brunt of the hottest weather while northern areas remain several degrees cooler.
Health officials are telling people to remember to keep hydrated, to avoid spending long periods in direct sunshine during the hottest part of the day and to check on elderly relatives and neighbours.
The warmer weather could also bring high pollen levels, with Allergy UK warning that thunderstorms can trigger “thunderstorm asthma”, where pollen particles are broken up and inhaled deep into the lungs, worsening symptoms for people with asthma and hay fever.
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