LONDON, June 16, 2025
UK Braces for Scorching Heatwave & Thunderstorms
Get ready for a sizzling Saturday as the UK heatwave intensifies, bringing temperatures up to 34C, accompanied by a yellow warning for thunderstorms.
- heatwave conditions will continue wiht highs of 34C.
- A yellow weather warning for storms is in place from 15:00 BST on Saturday until 04:00 on Sunday.
- The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued an amber heat-health alert, which will remain in force until Monday.
The UK is bracing for a scorching weekend as a heatwave intensifies, with temperatures expected to reach up to 34C on Saturday. The Met office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms across parts of northern England, the Midlands, and Wales, starting Saturday afternoon and lasting into Sunday. This extreme weather is expected to fuel torrential downpours.
The amber heat-health alert issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) will remain in effect until monday. This alert highlights the potential for important pressure on health and social care services, including a possible rise in deaths, particularly among the elderly and those with existing health conditions.
The yellow weather warning for storms will remain in place from 15:00 BST on Saturday until 04:00 on Sunday, with the potential for localised flash flooding, large hail, and lightning. The humidity is expected to make the heat feel more intense, especially at night.
Friday’s Temperatures Soar
Before the arrival of the storms, temperatures across the UK already soared on Friday, with Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland experiencing their warmest days of the year so far. Many regions were expected to meet the criteria for a heatwave by Friday afternoon, which means a temperature threshold has been sustained for three consecutive days, according to the Met Office.
The threshold varies by region, with 25C in northern and western parts of the UK and 28C in south-eastern England. London officially declared a heatwave on Friday, having surpassed the 28C threshold for three days in a row. On Thursday, Suffolk became the first area to officially enter a heatwave, with temperatures exceeding 27C for the third day in a row.
The hot weather pushed north on Friday with temperatures close to 30C in Albemarle,northumberland and Newcastle – the hottest recorded since July 2022. Wales saw a high of 30.8C in Whitechurch, Pembrokeshire, while Castlederg in Northern Ireland reached 29.5C, and 28.9C was recorded in Drumnadrochit, in the Scottish Highlands. England recorded its highest temperature on Thursday, at 32.2C. Heathrow hit 29.5C on Friday.
Hot Nights and Potential Relief
Increasing humidity is making the heat feel even more uncomfortable,especially during the night. On Friday night, temperatures in many parts of the country may not drop below 17C or 18C.Some areas are also at risk of a “tropical night,” where overnight temperatures remain above 20C, over the next two days.
By 23:00 on Friday, temperatures were still around 24C in large parts of england and Wales.On Saturday night, the highest overnight temperatures will be restricted to eastern England, where temperatures may again fall no lower than 18C, as cooler air moves in from the west.
While heatwave conditions are likely to persist, some relief is anticipated on Sunday, when the south and east of England will see temperatures in the high 20s. Elsewhere, cooler air will gradually move in from the west. Temperatures are expected to fall further into Monday, but could potentially rise again toward the heatwave threshold later in the week.
Climate Change and Extreme Weather
The National Fire Chiefs Council (NFCC) stated that firefighters have responded to over 500 wildfires across England and Wales this year – a 717% surge compared to the same period in 2024.
NFCC Chairman Phil Garrigan expressed deep concern about the increasing threat of wildfires this summer, warning that they have the “potential to become more frequent, intense, and hazardous.” The organization is advising the public to be cautious when using barbecues and handling items like glass bottles that can cause fires outside.
While connecting climate change to specific extreme weather events can be complex, scientists say that climate change is making heatwaves hotter and more prolonged. The World Weather Attribution group states that the chances of hitting 32C in june have increased by 100 times since the pre-industrial era.
What’s the impact of these rising temperatures?
The chance of a three-day June heatwave has increased tenfold as of human-caused climate change,going from a one-in-50-year event to a one-in-five-year event.Ben Clarke, a researcher at the Center for Environmental Policy at Imperial Collage London, said, “With every fraction of a degree of warming, the UK will experience hotter, more dangerous heatwaves.” He added that this will lead to “more heat deaths, more pressure on the NHS, more transport disruptions, tougher work conditions and poorer air quality.”
Dr. Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, described heat as the “silent killer,” stating, “It will impact all of us, even people who consider themselves healthy.” He advised people to look out for vulnerable individuals on public transport and to keep an eye on the elderly.
Beyond the Heatwave: Long-Term Health Risks and Prevention
as the UK grapples with this intense heatwave, it’s crucial to understand the long-term health implications beyond immediate risks like heatstroke. Prolonged exposure to extreme heat can exacerbate existing health conditions and contribute to a range of chronic issues, as highlighted by the UKHSA’s amber alert.
The “silent killer” dr. Sousa mentioned isn’t just a threat during the peak of the heat. It poses a sustained risk to cardiovascular health, respiratory function, and mental well-being. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), extreme heat can increase the risk of heart attacks, strokes, and respiratory illnesses, especially for vulnerable populations.
The Impact on Vulnerable Populations
The elderly, young children, and individuals with chronic illnesses are most susceptible. These groups often have compromised thermoregulation – the body’s ability to control its temperature. This makes it harder for them to cope with extreme heat. Furthermore,the impacts of heatwaves are not equally distributed,with the most vulnerable often facing a disproportionate burden.
The elderly are notably at risk as their bodies may not adjust well to sudden temperature changes, and they might have underlying health conditions or take medications that affect their body’s ability to regulate heat. Children, especially infants, also struggle to regulate their body temperature. They are more vulnerable to overheating and dehydration.
Long-Term Health Concerns
- Cardiovascular Strain: Heat puts extra strain on the heart,increasing the risk of heart attacks and strokes.
- Respiratory Issues: Elevated temperatures and poor air quality can worsen conditions like asthma and COPD.
- Mental health: heat can negatively impact mental well-being, increasing stress, anxiety, and even the risk of suicide.
- Kidney Problems: Dehydration caused by excessive sweating can lead to kidney damage.
The NHS is already under pressure due to staffing shortages and budget issues. Overloaded hospitals will face delays and staff burnout. According to the British Medical Association,the heatwave will put added pressure on already stretched resources,affecting the quality of care.
Protecting Yourself and Your Community: Practical Steps
Preparing for extreme heat events involves proactive steps to protect yourself and those around you. Consider these measures:
- Stay Hydrated: Drink plenty of water throughout the day, even if you don’t feel thirsty. Avoid sugary drinks and excessive alcohol, wich can dehydrate you.
- seek Cool Spaces: Spend time in air-conditioned buildings, libraries, or community centers. If you don’t have air conditioning at home, consider visiting a mall or cinema.
- Modify Your Activities: Avoid strenuous activities during the hottest part of the day, typically between 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. If you must go outside, do so during the cooler hours of the morning or evening.
- Wear Appropriate Clothing: Choose loose-fitting, light-colored clothing made of breathable fabrics. Protect yourself from the sun with a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses.
- Check in on Vulnerable Individuals: Regularly check on elderly neighbors, friends, and family members.Ensure they have access to cool spaces, are drinking enough fluids, and know how to get help if needed.
- Be Aware of Heatstroke Symptoms: Know the signs of heatstroke (high body temperature, confusion, rapid pulse, and dry skin) and seek immediate medical attention if someone shows these symptoms.
One practical step is to create a “cool room” at home where you spend the hottest part of the day.This can be a room with air conditioning, a fan, or even just closed curtains and drawn blinds to block out direct sunlight. Keeping essential items, such as water and any necessary medication, in an ice chest, while preparing for extended power outages can be critical.
Consider creating a community support network in your neighborhood, so you are prepared and can watch out for people who live alone, or are in a risky state. Make sure people know how to contact their trusted GP, or call 111 for advice as the UKHSA alerts will remain in place due to the amber heat-health alert.
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