32C scorcher in London this weekend as yellow health alert issued

Londoners should be aware of the high temperatures with ‘significant impacts possible’, according to experts

A 32C scorcher is set to bake London this weekend as a yellow heat alert is in force across the capital.

A high of 32C will be recorded at 4pm on Sunday (August 9), according to the latest Met Office forecast.

Saturday will be similarly warm, with the mercury climbing to 29C in London, and 27C in commuter belt towns surrounding the capital.

Sunday is set to be even hotter, as central London is predicted to bask in 32C weather and the south-east coast will be nearly 30C, weather maps published at 2am on Friday (August 7) show.

The Met Office weekend forecast said: “Rain across northern Scotland through the weekend. Warm and sunny elsewhere. Turning hot in the south. Dry for most on Monday with temperatures on the very warm to hot side.”

No weather warnings are in place this weekend, but the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has implemented a yellow health alert for heat until the middle of next week. It is in force for the majority of England, aside from the north west and north east.

Officials warned: “Significant impacts are possible across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including:

“A rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions. There may also be impacts on younger age groups.

“A likely increase in demand for health services.

“Internal temperatures in care settings (hospitals and care homes) may exceed the recommended threshold for clinical risk assessment.

“The heat affecting the ability of the workforce to deliver services.

“Indoor environments overheating increasing the risk to vulnerable people living independently in community and care settings

“Water‐related incidents may increase, including risks from cold‐water shock and drowning.”