As many across England prepare for the return of a second summer heatwave, health alerts have been initiated by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA). Specifically, an amber heat health alert has been issued for regions including the East Midlands, South-East, South-West, East Anglia, and London. This signifies the potential widespread impact on health services and the entire population due to rising temperatures. Meanwhile, areas like Yorkshire and the Humber, as well as the West Midlands, are under yellow alerts, indicating that older adults and vulnerable individuals may particularly be at risk.
The upcoming weekend is expected to see temperatures soar into the 30s Celsius (°C), coinciding with significant events such as the Glastonbury Festival. Come Monday, as the Wimbledon tennis championship kicks off, a new temperature high for the year could be reached, with forecasts suggesting a high of around 34°C, possibly even 35°C in some areas, particularly near London and Cambridgeshire. This anticipated Monday heat could break the previous record for the hottest opening day of Wimbledon, which was 29.3°C in 2001. Furthermore, the hottest day ever recorded during the tournament was on July 1, 2015, at 35.7°C.
As attendees gather at Glastonbury, expected temperatures will hover in the mid to high 20s, with potential peaks at around 28°C by Sunday. The BBC’s music correspondent, Mark Savage, has reported attendees embracing summer attire such as shorts and sun hats, while remaining hydrated with bottled water. Despite the soaring temperatures, initial reports indicate a lack of heat-related health issues among festival-goers.
Conditions are expected to remain predominantly dry and pleasant, providing a welcome absence of the mud notoriously associated with previous festivals. However, nightly temperatures can become uncomfortable for those camping overnight. Across the broader UK, similar dry and sunny spells are predicted, while cities like Cardiff may reach the high 20s or even touch 30°C by Monday.
This current spell of warm weather shows no signs of relenting, with little rain expected throughout mid-next week. Official classifications of a heatwave denote three consecutive days surpassing specific temperature thresholds, which is expected to affect large swaths of England over this period, beginning soon. Other European nations are grappling with their own heatwaves as well, particularly southern Spain, where temperatures could reach a staggering 44°C.
The escalation in temperatures can be attributed to several factors, including warm airs pilfering from a heatwave impacting the eastern United States, enriching high-pressure systems over England, as well as hot, moist breezes from the Azores. In light of extreme weather patterns becoming increasingly routine, the UKHSA has implemented a tiered heat health alert system since 2023, designed to prepare health care professionals for impending hot weather impacts.
The classification ranges from green to red, designed to signal various levels of health risk—from minimal to severe. As summer heatwaves become more frequent and intense, studies by World Weather Attribution reveal that the likelihood of June heatwaves exhibiting three consecutive days above 28°C has risen significantly since the pre-industrial era, attributed largely to human actions like fossil fuel combustion.
Reports have emerged of substantial impacts resulting from past heatwaves; commuters experienced train disruptions during earlier spikes in heat, alongside warnings of potential excess fatality increases. This trend underscores the critical need for community awareness on managing heat and health safety, particularly for vulnerable populations. As preparations unfold for Wimbledon and Glastonbury, individuals should remain vigilant about their health, ensuring adequate hydration and sun protection amidst the soaring temperatures.
