The weather warnings will come into force at 1am on Monday (June 22) and will end at 11.59pm on Tuesday (June 23). The Met Office has warned that a “developing hot spell through Monday and Tuesday will likely lead to widespread impacts on people and infrastructure”. The Met Office expanded the Amber extreme heat warning with eastern Wales and much of the Midlands now included alongside most of southern England and southeastern Wales. Forecasters have also increased their temperature forecast, with highs of 35C expected on Tuesday and Wednesday and growing confidence that the UK’s June temperature record of 35.6C, set in Southampton in 1976, could be broken.
Nottingham Nottinghamshire
London & South East England
Bath and North East Somerset
Bournemouth Christchurch and Poole
West Midlands Conurbation
Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Steven Keates, said: “While heatwave criteria will be met for some in the south and southeast of England over the weekend, with temperatures into the low 30s Celsius possible, the warmth will expand and intensify at the start of next week, which, coupled with high temperatures overnight and high humidity, leads to potential impacts.
“Temperatures are forecast to reach 32°C on Monday, climbing further to 35°C on Tuesday and Wednesday.
“ By Thursday temperatures are currently forecast to drop slightly, with a peak of 34°C more confined to the southeast of England. Importantly high humidity will also mean this feels close, warmer and more uncomfortable for many.
“Tropical nights, where the temperature doesn’t drop below 20°C are also likely for some, especially in urban areas.”
The Met Office said heatwave conditions are expected to persist well into next week and spread across many other parts of England and Wales, with the amber warning set to be updated as confidence in the duration of the hot spell increases.
There is also the chance of isolated thundery downpours on Monday and Tuesday, although forecasters expect these to be localised and for the hot conditions to continue.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued a series of Yellow and Amber Heat Health Alerts covering affected parts of the country.
The alerts warn of potential impacts on health and social care services, particularly for vulnerable people, as temperatures and humidity rise.
The Met Office said the combination of high daytime temperatures and exceptionally warm nights could exacerbate health risks during the heatwave.
Officials are urging people to take precautions and look out for those most at risk.
Further weather warnings are expected to be issued as confidence grows over the duration and extent of the hot spell.