UK Issues Week-Long Health Alert as New Heatwave Expected to Push Temperatures to 34°C

LONDON: British health authorities have issued a week-long heat health warning as another prolonged spell of hot weather is forecast to affect large parts of the United Kingdom, with temperatures expected to reach as high as 34°C later next week.

According to the UK Met Office, temperatures in southern England are expected to rise steadily over the coming days, reaching around 28°C on Saturday and 29°C on Sunday before climbing into the low 30s early next week. Forecasters predict the hottest conditions will occur on Thursday or Friday, when temperatures in the South East could peak at 34°C.

The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts covering several regions, including London, the South East, the East of England, the Midlands and the South West. The warning is intended to help health and social care services prepare for an increase in heat-related illnesses, particularly among older adults, young children and people with underlying medical conditions.

Meteorologists said the approaching heatwave is expected to last longer than the previous hot spell but is unlikely to be as intense or humid as the record-breaking heat experienced in June. Northern parts of the country are forecast to remain cooler, with more cloud cover and occasional rainfall, creating a marked north-south weather divide.

Meanwhile, water conservation measures have also been introduced, with a new hosepipe ban announced for parts of southern England as authorities seek to manage increasing pressure on water supplies during the prolonged period of hot weather.