London weather: Four-day health alert triggered as 30C heatwave begins
A yellow heat health alert has been triggered for most of England including London, as temperatures look likely to soar to 30C in parts of the country.
The alert has been issued for every region except the north east, with some areas being warned of the potential for “significant impacts” on the health and social care sector.
Temperatures are expected to hit 29C in London this week.
After a cooler and slightly overcast weekend, the capital is set to bask in glorious sunshine from Monday onwards.
The health alert from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office came into force at 8am on Monday and remains in place until Thursday afternoon.
The strongest warnings have been issued for the south east, the East Midlands, the east of England and East Anglia.
Heard it will be warming up next week? 📈
Here is the latest 👇 pic.twitter.com/NO3ZUk04cN— Met Office (@metoffice) June 21, 2024
The UKHSA warns that in London, there are likely to be “minor” impacts on health and social care, including an “increase in risk of mortality amongst vulnerable individuals and increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm”.
This warning is also in place for the north-west and north-east of England, the west of England, and the south west.
Liam Esslick, a meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “According to the latest models, there is a chance temperatures could reach 30C.
“It’s not guaranteed but this will likely be towards the south-east of England, particularly London, Essex and Kent.
Together with @MetOffice we have issued a yellow heat health alert for England, starting on Mon 24 June. Our updated data dashboard includes a heat health alert map with useful information and guidance for health & social care settings: https://t.co/p3FpQWc9Eu#WeatherAlert pic.twitter.com/VUhJO1t2Ap
— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) June 21, 2024
“My advice to people would be by all means go out and enjoy. They have been waiting for summer.
“But UV levels are going to be high and the sun will be very intense. Wear protection like sun cream, stay hydrated and try to get some shade in the midday sun.
“People sensitive to the sun should take particular precautions.”
Mr Esslick added that the longer-term weather forecast remains uncertain, with a “breakdown” expected from late Wednesday into Thursday.
He said: “It could be a little thundery with a breakdown towards the back end of the week.
“But Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday are looking fine.”
