UK's first hot weather health alert of the year issued as Met Office warns of sweltering 30C weekend

The UK is set to be hotter than Ibiza and Tenerife this weekend, with a 30-degree heatwave forecast to scorch England and Wales leading to the year’s first heat health alert.

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office’s warning covers six regions in England, London, the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West, and is in place from 9am on Friday (9 June) until Monday morning (12 June).

Cloud, rain and thunderstorms are also set to sweep in, with the nights becoming humid, the Met Office warned. There will “likely” be some impacts across the health and social care sector if forecasted temperatures are reached, the UKHSA said, with over-65s and those with pre-existing health conditions most at risk.

Dr Agostinho Sousa from the UKHSA said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.

“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases," he continued. “If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”

Most of Wales is set to see “long sunny spells” on Friday, before temperatures climb to 25C over the weekend when there will be “thundery” showers, the Met Office said. It comes after the highest temperature so far this year was recorded at 25C in Porthmadog, Wales, while Castlederg, Northern Ireland, saw highs of 24.5C, Bournemouth recorded 24.2C and Glasgow hit a high of 24.1C for Scotland.

The national forecaster confirmed that the warm weather is here to stay, but there could be showers in the South of England towards the end of the week and cloudy conditions towards the east of England.

Met Office meteorologist Greg Dewhurst said: “There will be lots of dry weather, with the sunnier skies always in the West and cloudier skies always in the East.

“Going forward, temperatures are going to be similar if not a little bit higher towards the end of the week.”

Temperatures on Thursday are set to be hotter than many popular holiday spots in Europe, with 23C to 24C highs in Barcelona, while Rome will be ever so slightly cooler than the UK at 26C.

The Met Office has warned the soaring temperatures will mean high UV and pollen levels and has urged the public to take precautions. It recommends people drink plenty of non-alcoholic fluids to prevent dehydration and reapply an appropriate factor sun cream at regular intervals throughout the day to protect skin.

Met Office meteorologist Stephen Dixon told Sky News that the hottest day of the year being recorded this week is ”not beyond the realms of possibility”.

He said western areas, parts of Wales and the South West of England, will likely enjoy longer sunny periods but for the majority the weather will be ”very pleasant with sunshine”.