Arabic version: المملكة المتحدة تستعد لموجة حر قياسية هذا الأسبوع
The Met Office has expanded its amber extreme heat warning for Monday and Tuesday, forecasting temperatures could reach 36 or 37C (97-99F) in various parts of the UK. This warning indicates likely widespread impacts on people and infrastructure, including potential health risks and travel disruptions. Some areas may experience temperatures exceeding 30C (86F) for six or seven consecutive days, with overnight temperatures remaining above 20C (68F) in certain locations. According to BBC News, this trend aligns with predictions that heatwaves are becoming more frequent and intense due to climate change.
The heat is advancing northward from France, where an intense hot spell affecting much of western Europe threatens to break temperature records. Although Saturday saw cooler weather, Sunday is anticipated to mark the beginning of a significant hot spell, likely to qualify as a heatwave, particularly in parts of England and Wales. Forecasts predict temperatures will peak at 27-31C (81-88F) in the Midlands, Wales, and southern England, while northern England will reach 23 or 24C (73-75F).
The amber extreme heat warning will take effect across much of southern and eastern England and parts of south Wales from 01:00 BST on Monday, remaining valid until 23:59 on Tuesday. During this period, temperatures are expected to peak at 35 or 36C (95-97F) in south-east England. By Wednesday, temperatures may climb to 37C (99F), with a possibility of breaking the UK’s June temperature record.
This combination of hot days and warm nights is likely to pose health risks, particularly for the elderly and vulnerable populations. The UK Health Security Agency has issued separate amber and yellow heat health alerts across large areas of England. Individuals are advised to exercise caution, especially when near open water or during outdoor activities. Additionally, travel disruptions and power supply issues are anticipated, with isolated thunderstorms potentially adding to the hazards. The extreme heat is being driven by conditions in continental Europe, where temperatures could reach 43 or 44C (109-111F) in parts of western France, with Paris expected to hit 40C (104F), unprecedented for June.
