**Second UK Heatwave Set to Sweep South and East – But Some Regions Will Escape the Worst**
Britain is once again preparing for a surge in temperatures, as forecasts from the Met Office signal the arrival of a second heatwave this summer. Following hot on the heels of last week’s spell of warm weather, temperature gauges are predicted to climb even higher in the coming days – with the mercury potentially hitting 34°C in certain spots. However, not all areas of the UK will be feeling the full force of the heat, with some regions due to miss out on the intensity.
While much of southern and eastern England is bracing itself for the anticipated swelter, the latest reports suggest that the heatwave will be more localised than last week’s event. BBC meteorologist Matt Taylor took to X (formerly Twitter) to outline the differences, noting, “Another heatwave! Just a week after the last. This one hotter and more humid than last week but the heat won’t be as widespread this time. Hottest areas come under an amber heat-health alert from Friday lunchtime.”
An official map released by the Met Office alongside Public Health partners highlights the south west, south east, East Anglia, London, and the east Midlands as areas most at risk, all now subject to an amber heat-health alert. A slightly less severe yellow alert has been issued for the west Midlands and the north east, whilst remaining areas of England and much of the rest of the UK are not expected to experience extreme temperatures. Notably, experts have indicated that east Wales could also witness a spike in very hot conditions, despite not falling within the highest-risk zones on the map.
Commenting further on the situation, the Met Office’s Deputy Chief Meteorologist, Mike Silverstone, provided insight into the atmospheric patterns at play. “Higher temperatures building over the weekend and into early next week will bring particularly warm, hot or even very hot conditions for some, especially in the south east and East Anglia, and more locally elsewhere in England and east Wales,” he explained. “This in part will be influenced by a heatwave developing across western Europe.”
According to Silverstone, a developing area of high pressure is expected to take hold over the UK by the weekend, bringing the highest temperatures to the south and east. By contrast, northern and north-western regions of the country will remain relatively mild in comparison. This divergence is set to create a patchwork effect across the nation, with certain areas sweltering while others enjoy more temperate weather.
Looking ahead, the Met Office anticipates that temperatures in the south could rise steadily throughout the weekend, reaching over 30°C in the south east or East Anglia as early as Sunday. The heatwave’s peak is likely to occur on Monday, with the possibility of some regions, including parts of London and East Anglia, experiencing highs of 34°C. However, these predictions may be refined as new data becomes available over the weekend.
Relief from the heat is expected to arrive from the west as the week progresses. “Monday could see temperatures reach around 34°C in some parts, though we will be able to be more precise closer to the time,” Silverstone advised. “The heat is most likely to gradually relent from the west on Tuesday and into Wednesday, with a return towards more average temperatures for the second half of next week.”
In light of these elevated temperatures, the NHS has reminded the public of precautions to prevent heat-related illness. Recommendations include drinking plenty of cold fluids, wearing light and loose-fitting clothing, and avoiding the sun during the hottest hours between 11am and 3pm. Additional advice involves steering clear of excessive alcohol, refraining from extreme physical exertion, and implementing cooling measures at home – such as closing curtains and turning off non-essential electrical appliances.
As the UK braces itself for another bout of summer heat, public health agencies and meteorologists alike urge residents in the affected regions to remain vigilant. For many, the soaring temperatures could prompt disruption to normal routines, highlighting the ongoing impact of climate fluctuations on daily life in Britain. As ever, the advice is to stay informed via reliable forecasts and take sensible steps to keep cool as the mercury rises.