The Met Office issued a severe high temperature warning for much of southern England and south-east Wales on Thursday, with temperatures expected to reach 34C on Monday and Tuesday. The warning is the most extreme heat warning the forecaster has issued for four years.
Greg Wolverson, the deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said temperatures into the low 30s were possible over the weekend and that the warmth would expand and intensify at the start of next week. He said: "While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and south-east of England over the weekend, with temperatures into the low 30s [celsius] possible, the warmth will expand and intensify at the start of next week, which, coupled with high temperatures overnight, leads to potential impacts."
Met Office warning for southern England
The Met Office introduced amber extreme heat warnings in July 2021, and its most recent amber extreme heat warning came in August 2022. This one covers much of southern England and south-east Wales as the warm spell builds toward its peak.
Wolverson said tropical nights were likely for some. He said: "Tropical nights – where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20C – are also likely for some."
UKHSA amber health alert
The UK Health Security Agency issued a separate amber health alert on Thursday for London, the south-east, the south-west and the east of England. It warned health and care services that deaths are likely to rise in those areas, particularly among people aged 65 or over or with health conditions.
The agency also warned of a rise in water-related incidents, including cold-water shock and drowning. Ross MacLeod, water safety manager for the Royal National Lifeboat Institution, said: "Cold water shock is a real danger, which we particularly want people to be aware of. The sea or open water may look inviting during hot weather, but it remains cold enough year-round to trigger cold water shock, which can cause uncontrollable gasping, increased heart rate, and can lead to panic and drowning very quickly. It’s best to enter the water slowly to gradually acclimatise."
He added: "Anyone who finds themselves in danger in the water should fight the panic instinct and ‘float to live’: try to relax and float on their back, with head tilted back, gently moving their hands and legs to help them stay afloat. This buys valuable time to get your breathing back under control, before then calling for help or swimming to safety."
Ross MacLeod and open water
MacLeod urged people not to enter the water when they see someone else in danger. He said they should contact emergency services, tell the struggling person to float and throw them something buoyant such as a life ring.
The warning also comes after at least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in May. Greg Wolverson said the next stretch of heat may also bring some thundery downpours on Monday and Tuesday, though he said they were expected to be fairly isolated.
For people in southern England and south-east Wales, that means the hottest part of the spell may not be dry from start to finish. The heat is set to build, the overnight temperatures are set to stay high, and some places may still have to watch for brief storms while the warning remains in place.
