UK given 96-hour warning as nation set for blistering heatwave
Brits have been warned to brace themselves for blistering temperatures this week as the country basks in glorious sunshine - but the NHS isn't looking forward to it as much as sun worshippers.
The UK will enjoy highs of up to 30°C in some parts of the country over the next few days, according to the Met Office, as the nation finally gets to enjoy a 'boost in temperatures'.
Let's have it right, we haven't had much of a summer this year so far thanks to all the rain, so a lot of us are over the moon to hear that the hot weather is making a highly-anticipated return.
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However, not everyone will fare well with the feverish heat, so the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have put a 96-hour yellow heat-health alert in place, which came into force at 8am this morning (24 June).
The agency said that the heatwave will increase the risk of deaths among vulnerable people, especially for those in the East Midlands, the East of England, East Anglia and the South East.
These spots are set to get the hottest temperatures, but the warning is in place across everywhere except for the North East.
UKHSA said people should be prepared for 'significant impacts to be observed across the health and social care sector due to the high temperatures'.
It explained that they fear there may be an 'observed increase in mortality across the population likely, particularly in the 65+ age group or those with health conditions, but impacts may also be seen in younger age groups'.
The yellow heat-health alert remains in place in eight regions until 5pm on Thursday, so make sure you are keeping a close eye on vulnerable people over the next four days.
It applies to those who live in the East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, South East, South West, Yorkshire and the Humber, East of England and London.
Dan Rudman, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office said: "Whether or not everyone experiences heatwave thresholds, the majority of the UK will experience the highest temperatures so far this year.
"Confidence in the forecast reduces markedly from Wednesday onwards, with uncertainty in both how long the heat will last and how it will break down, which we will be keeping an eye on for the coming days. However, by next weekend, cooler, changeable conditions become more likely."
Brits have also been urged to ensure they stay hydrated and not to spend too long in the sunshine as the mercury spikes.
Met meteorologist Liam Eslick said the UK would enjoy dry weather, sunny spells and highs of 28°C today.
On Tuesday, things dim down a bit for those in western Scotland and Northern Ireland, while there is the potential for thundery showers in the north of England - but temperatures should hit the mid to high 20°C range.
The sun is set to really do it's thing on Wednesday, which is gearing up to be the warmest day of the week.
Highs of 30°C are expected in the South East, before the mercury could hit a whopping 31°C on Thursday.
The weather is then supposed to revert back to the usual drab stuff that we're used to, with persistent rain and thunderstorms forecast to roll in following the heatwave.
Met Office operational meteorologist Honor Criswick added: "As we're pushing into next week, we're starting to see the hotter spells, but it is going to be quite brief."
Olivia Burke