An amber heat health alert has been issued for four areas as the UK braces for a 34C scorcher this weekend
The UK is bracing for another heatwave to roll in over the weekend, with temperatures predicted to soar to 34C or higher.
An amber heat health warning has been issued for four regions, encompassing the east, South East and South West of England, as well as London.
The alert kicked in from 12pm on Thursday and remains in effect until 8pm on Tuesday.
Parts of the south and South East are set to hit the heatwave threshold over the weekend, and there’s a 40 per cent likelihood of surpassing the record June temperature of 35.6C, set in 1957 and 1976, according to the Met Office.
This echoes the record-breaking temperatures witnessed in May.
East Anglia could experience 32C on Friday before the warm air temporarily retreats from the UK, leaving Saturday with a potential high of 28C.
However, come Sunday, temperatures will climb once more, with parts of the south and South East forecast to reach 32C, potentially rising to or beyond 34C by Monday.
These temperatures are “pretty unusual even for the middle part of June”, said Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin.
The heat could spark some thunderstorms on Sunday in the South East and East Anglia.
But this hot spell may not deliver the “wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies” of the May heatwave, warned deputy chief forecaster, Gregory Wolverson.
Cloud cover and relatively high humidity could make it feel “rather oppressive at times”, he added.
During the May heatwave, temperature records were consistently shattered, with 35.1C recorded at Kew Gardens and 32.9C at Cardiff’s Bute Park.
In this period, there were 15 fatalities in open water across the UK.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)’s amber health warning indicates that an “increased demand” is likely to be placed on health and social care services, potentially leading to a rise in deaths.
Those aged 65 and over, as well as those with health conditions, will be most at risk, it said, though younger age groups may also be affected.
Yellow health alerts have also been issued for the East and West Midlands, warning of minor impacts on services.
The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days where daily maximum temperatures meet or exceed a location-specific heatwave temperature threshold.
Samantha Hughes, the national water safety partner at the RNLI, cautioned: “With warmer weather approaching, it’s important to remember that the water is still cold.
“Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.
“If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing.
“You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink – everyone floats differently.”