HEAT ALERT ISSUED FOR SIX ENGLISH REGIONS AS TEMPERATURES NEAR 30C

Yellow heat health alerts were issued across six English regions on Friday, 24 July, with temperatures forecast to reach 30C in parts of South East England. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) put the West Midlands, East Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West under alert from 9am Friday until 9am Sunday. The alerts warn of risks to health and wellbeing, particularly for vulnerable people, with the UKHSA identifying potential increased use of healthcare services and greater risk to life among vulnerable populations.

The alerts came as England continued to experience prolonged dry weather. Official figures suggest the country has received just three per cent of its average July rainfall, with hosepipe bans in place for 23 million customers. Water suppliers have warned the bans may remain in place throughout the summer. Drought status was declared in North Wales and the Upper Severn following record dry conditions, heatwaves and dwindling river levels—marking the first part of the UK to declare drought status this summer. Wildfires have burned across parts of England, whilst Scotland has been hit by a major wildfire in the Cairngorms and the Republic of Ireland has implemented a nationwide hosepipe ban.

The Met Office forecaster Craig Snell said rain would move southwards from Scotland and Northern Ireland on Saturday, spreading into northern England and parts of Wales. By Sunday, temperatures were expected to turn fresher across much of the UK, with rain possible in areas that had experienced minimal rainfall in recent weeks. The dry conditions this summer follow last year's drought summer, as extreme weather patterns continue to intensify.