UK Endures Third Heatwave as Temperatures Climb to 34C
Amber heat health alerts issued across southern England and the Midlands amid forecasts of 35C, straining health services.
Carla Rooney
The United Kingdom grapples with its third heatwave of the year, as temperatures reached 34C in Teddington, south-west London, on Monday.
The Met Office projects temperatures could hit 35C later this week; the hottest conditions peak on Thursday and Friday.
This follows similar heatwaves in May and June, marking the third significant heat event of the year.
Last month recorded a high of 37.7C.
Steven Keates, Deputy Chief Forecaster at the Met Office, confirmed parts of southern England will see several days in the low 30s.
A few locations could reach 34-35C.
Much of England and Wales will experience hot conditions, with the heat extending into parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Keates stated much of England and Wales will experience hot conditions, with the heat extending into parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Temperatures in these northern regions will peak in the upper twenties.
This event will not break records, unlike the heatwaves in May and June, Keates noted.
The summer's earlier unprecedented highs offer a slight reprieve, though the heat remains intense.
Night-time temperatures will not reach June's highs, yet some larger urban areas may remain in the high teens Celsius overnight.
Sleep and recovery will face particular challenges later in the week.
A tropical night, where temperatures do not fall below 20C, may record in a few places.
UV levels are high or very high across many parts of the UK throughout the week.
Nine UK areas received a red 'very high' Met Office warning for pollen; the worst of the pollen arrives on Thursday.
More than 10 million Britons suffer from hay fever.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) warns of significant impacts across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.
A projected rise in deaths impacts those aged 65 and over or individuals with existing health conditions.
Such conditions place immense pressure on the National Health Service.
Such conditions place immense pressure on the National Health Service.
The UKHSA also cautioned about a potential increase in water-related incidents across England.
They cite risks from cold water shock and drowning as people seek relief from the oppressive heat.
The Met Office indicates the focus for the hottest conditions migrates towards the southwest, concentrating the heat in new areas.
Temperatures remain above 30C across England and Wales at their peak on Friday.
Swindon, Reading, and Birmingham all expect 32C.
The mercury also remains above 30C further north in places like Manchester and Leeds.
The very warm conditions persist into the weekend, but with increasing humidity and a growing risk of showers or isolated thunderstorms.
Into early next week, temperatures trend down slightly, though many areas stay dry, fine, and still warm.