The alert comes as south-east England goes on 144 days with little or no rain, the longest in half a century, according to Met Office statistics. Temperatures are expected to reach 30C for the duration of the warning, from midday on Tuesday until 6pm on Saturday 13 August. While temperatures are not forecast to reach the level 4 alert issued last month, Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, warned: “Temperatures will be very hot again this week, particularly in southern and central parts of the country. “We want everyone to enjoy the warm weather safely when it arrives, but remember that heat can have a quick impact on health. It’s important to make sure people who are most vulnerable – older people living alone and people with underlying health conditions – are prepared to deal with the heat.” As England experiences its driest eight months from November to June since 1976, the warning comes with advice to avoid barbecues due to dry conditions and points to an increased risk of fires like those seen in last month’s heat wave. Green spaces across the country have dried up, while Odiham, a village in Hampshire, has had no rain in the past month, according to the Met Office. The Met Office has also identified 10 locations that have experienced less than 250mm of rain since November 2021 and George Eustice, the environment secretary, has called for tire bans, with some likely to last until October in the worst-hit areas . The 10 areas are Hartpury College, Gloucestershire. Bognor Regis, West Sussex; Wisley, Surrey; Wallingford, Oxfordshire; Botanic Gardens, Cambridge; Shoeburyness, Essex; Manston, Kent; Writtle, Essex; Oxford; and Kew Gardens, London. Most of England is currently in a prolonged drought and officials are expected to announce an official drought following a meeting between water companies, government ministers and farmers this week. The Met Office’s deputy chief meteorologist, Tony Wardle, said: “Heatwave criteria look likely to be met for large areas of the UK later this week, with the hottest areas expected in central and southern England and Wales on Friday and on Saturday. “Coupled with high temperatures during the day, warm nights will continue, with the mercury only expected to drop into the low 20s for some areas in the south.” To stay safe in the heat, the UK’s Health Safety Authority recommends:
Try to stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm. Watch out for those who may struggle to keep themselves cool and hydrated – older people who may also live alone and those with underlying conditions are particularly at risk. Drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excess alcohol. Checking that refrigerators, freezers and fans are working properly. Control drugs can be stored according to package directions.
