MET OFFICE ISSUES AMBER ALERT AS UK TEMPERATURES CLIMB TO 31C

The Met Office has issued an amber weather alert as temperatures across the UK are forecast to reach 31C on Monday, 3 August. London is expected to see peak temperatures of 31C at 3pm, whilst Manchester is forecast to reach 29C and Cardiff 28C. The weather agency predicts rain affecting much of Scotland, with scattered showers across Northern Ireland and western areas, though most of England and Wales will remain fine with hot sunshine and humid conditions.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued amber heat health alerts across multiple regions of England. According to one report, four areas are covered by the warning: London, the East Midlands, East of England and South East, effective from 9am on 3 August through 9am on 5 August. A second report lists six areas under alert: the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, London, South East and South West, with alerts in place from 9am on 2 August through 9am on 5 August. The UKHSA has stated that rising temperatures are anticipated to place additional strain on health and social care services, with particular risk to individuals aged 65 and above or those with underlying health conditions.

The amber alert follows an exceptionally dry July across much of the UK. Early provisional Met Office statistics indicate that both England and Wales are on course to record their driest July in 190 years, with more than half of England and the entirety of Wales officially in drought. Several counties saw less than 1mm of rainfall during the month. The Met Office has warned that heavy rain and potentially thunderstorms could develop early next week, bringing a shift in weather patterns after the extended dry period.