UK weather: health officials issue heatwave warnings for England

UK health officials have issued yellow warnings as a heatwave is forecast to push temperatures above 30C in south-east England.

The UK Health Security Agency issued yellow heat health warnings for all of England except the north-east and north-west until Wednesday.

The UKHSA said the hot weather may have “significant impacts” on health and social care, particularly across the south-east and London.

Temperatures are forecast to reach 30C in the capital on Monday and 32C on Tuesday, before dipping to 29C on Wednesday and Thursday.

Temperatures peaked at 27.3C in Charlwood, Surrey, on Sunday as heat started to build up after an unsettled end to last week.

The warmer temperatures are a result of a change in weather pattern from lower to higher pressure as the jet stream weakens to the west of the UK. High pressure means the air is sinking from higher in the atmosphere, which brings drier, more settled and sunnier weather.

Heatwave criteria is met when a location records at least three consecutive days with maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold, which varies by region; for example, this is 28C in London, and 25C in the north of England, Wales, Northern Ireland and Scotland.

Last week, the climate campaign group Round Our Way warned of “worryingly hot” temperatures affecting children and teachers in classrooms as climate change drives more heatwaves. Its research showed classrooms breached a recommended maximum temperature of 26C during the heatwave in late June.

The UKHSA recommends during heatwaves that people look out for vulnerable people, including children and older people, and those with underlying health conditions. People should close curtains on rooms that face the sun, drink plenty of fluids, avoid physical exertion during the hottest parts of the day, and keep out of the sun between 11am and 3pm.

If someone is still feeling unwell after 30 mins of recovering in the cool and drinking water to combat heat exhaustion, they may have heatstroke and should call 999.

Meanwhile the Met Office has issued a yellow weather warning for thunderstorms for much of the UK. Most of southern England, the Midlands and much of the north of England are covered by the alert, which comes into force at 12am on Thursday and ends at 11.59pm. “Heavy showers and thunderstorms are expected to develop on Thursday and may lead to some disruption,” the Met Office said.