As temperatures rise this weekend, the UK is bracing for a scorching 33 °C, accompanied by the threat of “severe” thunderstorms, according to weather experts. An official heat health alert has been issued for various places in England, with major repercussions expected from the intense weather.
Warm Air Surge and Heat Health Concerns
The Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have raised worry about the possible impact on health and social care services. The intense heat poses particular risks to individuals over 65 and those with heat-sensitive health conditions.
A surge of warm air from Europe is forecast to sweep across the UK beginning Saturday, lasting through Sunday and Monday. The Met Office anticipates a return to normal seasonal temperatures on Tuesday. While England and Wales will enjoy highs of 20s to low 30s, Scotland and Northern Ireland can expect milder temperatures in the teens to low 20s.
- Parts of Devon may see temperatures rise to 24-25 °C, particularly in the north of the county.
- However, forecasters caution that this warm spell could also bring severe thunderstorms and significant rainfall across the UK.
Are you wondering what the next week’s weather has got in store?
Check out the forecast below 👇 pic.twitter.com/SDmfx3ztuy
— Met Office (@metoffice) October 13, 2024
Weather Variability
The forecast also indicates that tropical storm Debby may generate unusual winds affecting western areas. This Friday will commence with a cloudy and damp start, especially in the southern and eastern regions, but sunnier weather and rising temperatures are expected as the day progresses.
Nicky Maxey from the Met Office noted, “The hot spell is short-lived but quite intense. Temperatures are due to peak on Monday before rapidly returning to average on Tuesday and Wednesday.”
Regional Highlights
Whereas some regions of the UK will be dark and rainy, the South West will have pleasant temperatures and bright skies for much of the weekend. Here’s a quick overview:
- Saturday: Overcast but warm, with humidity at 80%.
- Sunday to Monday: Intense heat is forecasted; London may reach 33 °C, Manchester 26 °C, and Plymouth 24 °C.
- A risk of heavy showers and thunderstorms, especially in central and northern regions.
Rising temperatures are predicted to bring about the highest pollen counts and UV ratings across the country. Weather experts advise covering up around midday and applying sunscreen generously.
Ms. Maxey explains that this event is not a heatwave, even if it will be hot, since a heatwave is defined as three days of temperatures over a certain threshold.
