Extreme heat warning issued for Sunday & Monday

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Temperatures could reach 32C on Sunday and Monday (17 & 18 July)

The Met Office has issued an Amber Extreme heat warning, as temperatures look to build later this week for much of England and Wales.

The Amber warning, which has been issued for the North West for Sunday and Monday (17 & 18 July), highlights likely adverse health effects for the public, not just limited to those most vulnerable to extreme heat. Temperatures could be in excess of 35C in the southeast, and more widely around 32C within the warning area which includes the North West.

The Amber warning comes at the end of a week when the UK will see widely-above average temperatures, with a Level 2 UK Health Security Agency Heat Health Alert in place for much of England and a Level 3 UK Health Security Agency Heat Health Alert in place for southeastern areas.

Warm summer conditions will remain in place for much of this week for the majority of England and Wales, albeit slightly less hot on Wednesday and Thursday, when temperatures are more likely to peak in the high 20s Celsius.  

A persistent area of high pressure centred over the southern half of the UK is responsible for this week’s warm spell, bringing largely dry and clear weather for the week, with little cooling into the evenings. During the weekend, a developing southerly flow will allow very high temperatures currently building over the continent to spread northwards to the UK. 

Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Rebekah Sherwin said: “From Sunday and into Monday, temperatures are likely to be in excess of 35C in the southeast, although the details still remain uncertain. Elsewhere, temperatures could be fairly widely above 32C in England and Wales, and in the mid-to-high 20s Celsius further north.” 

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of this week. 

“Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm. 

“If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather.’’ 

Government advice is that 999 services should be used in emergencies only; seek advice from 111 if you need non-emergency health advice.

The top ways for staying safe when the heat arrives are to:

• look out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated; older people, those with underlying conditions and those who live alone are particularly at risk
• stay cool indoors – many of us may need to stay safe at home this summer, so know how to keep your home cool
• close curtains on rooms that face the sun to keep indoor spaces cooler and remember it may be cooler outdoors than indoors
• use cool spaces considerately if going outdoors, and wash your hands regularly
• drink plenty of fluids and avoid excess alcohol
• never leave anyone in a closed, parked vehicle, especially infants, young children or animals
• try to keep out of the sun between 11am to 3pm, when the UV rays are strongest
• walk in the shade, apply sunscreen and wear a wide-brimmed hat, if you have to go out in the heat
• avoid physical exertion in the hottest parts of the day
• make sure you take water with you if you are travelling
• during warm weather going for a swim can provide much welcomed relief; take care and follow local safety advice if you are going into open water to cool down