London is facing an intensifying late-May heatwave with temperatures forecast to reach 33C, prompting an amber heat-health alert
An amber heat-health alert has been issued for London as forecasters warned temperatures could hit 33C next week, with officials cautioning there is now a heightened risk to life during the exceptional late-May heatwave.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) upgraded the capital from a lower-level warning to an amber alert on Friday morning, covering the period from 2pm on Friday 22 May until 5pm on Wednesday 27 May . The alert applies across London, the South East, East Midlands, East of England and West Midlands, while yellow alerts remain in force for large parts of northern and south-west England.
Under the amber warning, officials say “significant impacts” are likely across health and social care services due to the prolonged spell of unusually hot weather. The UKHSA warned there could be “a rise in deaths”, particularly among people aged over 65 and those with existing health conditions, although younger people may also be affected.
Forecasters say the heatwave is expected to intensify through the Bank Holiday weekend, with London temperatures climbing from around 28C on Friday to 31C on Sunday before peaking at 33C on Monday. Temperatures are then expected to remain unusually high into next week, with 31C forecast again on Tuesday before easing slightly by Wednesday.
The alert also warns of overheating in hospitals, care homes and private homes, increased pressure on ambulance and NHS services, transport disruption, staffing difficulties and possible surges in power demand as people attempt to keep cool.
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steve Kocher said temperatures could challenge long-standing national records. He said: “Temperatures are forecast to peak on Monday when we could see 33°C recorded in southern England and the Midlands.
“It is likely that the May and Spring UK temperature records will be broken over the Bank Holiday weekend, with forecast temperatures surpassing the existing record of 32.8°C. As well as it being hot, there will be lots of dry and sunny weather for much of the UK.”
The current UK May temperature record stands at 32.8C, and meteorologists say it could be exceeded if forecast conditions materialise. The spell is also expected to officially qualify as a heatwave across much of southern England from Sunday onwards.
Meteorologists say the heat is being generated largely by a strong area of high pressure parked over the UK. Rather than hot air moving directly from southern Europe, much of the warming is being caused by sinking air heating up as it descends through the atmosphere — a process known as adiabatic compression.
Health officials and charities are urging people to take precautions during the heat, especially with millions expected to spend time outdoors over the Bank Holiday weekend. Advice includes drinking plenty of water, avoiding strenuous activity during the hottest part of the day, keeping homes cool where possible and checking on elderly or vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
Recent attribution research by the Met Office found that breaking the UK’s May temperature record is now around three times more likely due to human-caused greenhouse gas emissions.
Expected weather in London
- Friday: Sunny and very warm, highs around 28C
- Saturday: Hot and sunny, highs around 29C
- Sunday: Dry, sunny and increasingly hot, highs around 31C
- Monday: Peak of the heatwave with temperatures potentially reaching 33C
- Tuesday: Remaining very warm and sunny, around 31C
- Wednesday: Slightly cooler but still warm and bright, around 26C
- Thursday: Warm sunshine continuing, highs around 28C
The London Fire Brigade is also sharing advice to help Londoners enjoy the hot weather safely, ahead of the capital’s first potential heatwave of the year.
London Fire Brigade Assistant Commissioner, Paul McCourt, said: “We know that barbecues will be very popular this weekend, so we’re sharing some simple safety tips that will help to prevent a fire ruining your Bank Holiday. In fact, barbecue fires in April and May are more common than you might think*.
“If you’re having a barbecue at home, make sure it is positioned on level ground, and away from flammable materials like fences, sheds and trees.
“Please don’t have a barbecue on a balcony, or on decking, and please do keep children and pets away from barbecues.”
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