UK heatwave weather forecast: Temperatures to hit 34C bringing ‘oppressive’ humidity and thunderstorms

Temperatures are set to hit around 34C this weekend as the UK sees another heatwave. Amber heat health alerts have been issued for parts of the country, running until 8pm on Tuesday (June 23) as experts warned temperatures would keep rising in the coming days.

Alerts from the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) are in place for the east, south east and south west of England, as well as London. Met Office forecasters said there is a 40% chance of exceeding the highest ever temperature for June - which is 35.6C set in 1957 and 1976.

East Anglia could see 32C on Friday before the warm air temporarily shifts away from the UK leaving Saturday (June 20) with a potential high of 28C. But temperatures will rise again with parts of the south and south east expected to reach 32C on Sunday and then push up to or beyond 34C on Monday for some - temperatures Met Office meteorologist Alex Deakin said would be “pretty unusual even for the middle part of June”.

But the hot spell may not bring the “wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies” of the May heatwave, deputy chief forecaster, Gregory Wolverson, said, with a small risk of the heat triggering thunderstorms in the south east and East Anglia on Sunday.

Cloud and fairly high humidity could make it feel “rather oppressive at times”, he added.

The fresh heat wave comes after temperature records were repeatedly broken last month, when 35.1C was measured at Kew Gardens and 32.9C at Cardiff’s Bute Park. There were 15 deaths in open water across the UK during May’s hot weather.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)’s amber health warning means an “increased demand” is likely to be placed on health and social care services, and could result in a rise in deaths. Those aged 65 and over, as well as those with health conditions, will be most vulnerable, it said, though there may also be impacts on younger age groups.

Less severe yellow health alerts cover the East and West Midlands, warning of minor impacts on services.

The Met Office defines a heatwave as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding a location-specific heatwave temperature threshold.

Samantha Hughes, the national water safety partner at the RNLI, said: “With warmer weather approaching, it’s important to remember that the water is still cold. Entering it unexpectedly can lead to cold water shock, causing a sudden increase in breathing and heart rate, which may trigger panic.

“If you find yourself struggling in the water, remember to Float to Live: tilt your head back so your ears are submerged, relax and control your breathing. You may need to gently use your hands to help you stay afloat, and it’s ok if your legs sink – everyone floats differently.”