A heat-health warning has been issued for London and five other parts of the UK ahead of a sizzling weekend, with temperatures expected to reach up to 29C in the capital.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office have issued a yellow heat-health alert to six regions in England: London, the south east, East Midlands, West Midlands, east of England, and Yorkshire and the Humber.
The alert will be in place from midday on Friday until 9am on Sunday. A similar heat health warning was issued in late June.
Sunshine, light winds and clear skies will make for a hot Friday in London, especially during the afternoon. A maximum temperature of 29C is forecast before it dips to 26C on Saturday as cloud eases in.
On Sunday the cloud continues and the capital will dip to a high of 23C, with the cooler temperatures continuing into next week.
A similarly warm weekend is expected across the UK, but it will be shortlived, with thunderstorms following the heatwave.
But it is likely there will be an impact on the health and social care sector should the high temperatures be reached.
A yellow warning from the UKHSA means it is likely there will be an increase in the use of health care services by the vulnerable and an increase in risk to health for individuals over 65 or those who have pre-existing health conditions.
If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice
Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: “This weekend, it’s important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived, but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions.
“If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: “Temperatures will be on the rise from Friday, with a plume of continental air allowing temperatures to reach, and perhaps locally exceed, 30C in parts of England on Friday and Saturday.
“In addition, temperatures overnight will remain high, especially in towns and cities, which will make for an uncomfortably warm night for some.
“Temperatures are likely to start to drop from the west on Saturday and more widely into Sunday, as showers and thunderstorms sweep north-east across the country.”
It comes as a new study reveals London’s homeless population is at a greater risk of being hospitalised as temperatures induced by climate change rise.
Last summer, temperatures peaked at 40C in the capital – triggering wildfires that devastated homes.
