The first heat-health alert of the year has been issued for parts of England this week by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and the Met Office.
It covers six regions in England including London, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West. The alert is in place from 9am on Friday, June 9 to Monday morning on June 12.
It comes as temperatures are expected to soar to 30C in those parts of the country. Dr Agostinho Sousa of 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.
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“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. 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.”
In Manchester, the mercury is expected to rise as high as 25C this weekend - which might be welcome news for those attending Parklife Festival and Soccer Aid. Thursday and Friday are both forecast to be sunny and dry, with highs of 21C.
But it doesn't look like the dry spell will last into the weekend, unfortunately. Thundery showers are predicted for Sunday, as the weather begins to cool down.
Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist Dan Harris said: “Temperatures will rise later this week and into the weekend, with a plume of warm air being drawn in from the south. Temperatures over the weekend could peak around 30°C in some parts of England and remain well above average during night-times.”
“Coupled with the rise in temperatures is an increase in the likelihood of some potentially heavy and thundery showers, which could bring some localised disruption in the far southwest from as early as late Friday, but more likely more widely into the weekend, though it is not possible to be definitive about exact details this far from the potential event.”
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