The Met Office has given its verdict on when the heatwave is going to end - and it might not be any time soon. The country has been basking in an extended period of hot dry weather which has seen temperatures hit more than 30C regularly.
It was broken up last weekend with some very heavy thunderstorms - but some people have been wondering when the heat may slacken and allow a good night’s sleep. A heatwave is defined as having temperatures of 25C or more for three days in a row in an area.
The high temperatures have put the NHS under increased pressure with A&E departments seeing almost record demand. Many people with health conditions struggle more when it is hot and sometimes need treatment.
Some had been predicting that the heatwave could come to an end soon, but the Met Office said that at present it was likely to continue next week.
A Met Office forecaster said in a new statement today: “The weather is turning a little more unsettled as we head through the next few days, with an increasing risk of thundery showers developing from the south and west. Although not as hot as recently, temperatures are still set to remain well above average, and are likely to continue to reach the mid to high 20sC in the sunnier moments away from showers. Given that for a heatwave to occur (as per map below) temperatures of 25 to 28C or more are required for 3 days or more (depending on location), the heatwave threshold is likely to continue being met in some areas.
“There is a hint that higher pressure and more settled conditions could return later next week, however, confidence is low on this aspect at present.”
The Met Office has forecast temperatures in the high 20s, with some areas reaching into the 30s. It comes as an NHS medical director said the heat had contributed to one of the “busiest days ever” in A&E departments across the country on Thursday.
Earlier this week, the Met Office extended its yellow heat warning until June 19, while several schools in East Sussex closed on Thursday due to water shortages. Dan Stroud, spokesman for the Met Office, said conditions would become “increasingly humid and uncomfortable” over the weekend, especially in inner cities, with temperatures unlikely to drop below the 20s overnight.
NHS national medical director Professor Sir Stephen Powis added: “We know the warm weather has increased demand on services and this week we have seen one of our busiest days ever at A&E departments. As we move into what’s forecasted to be a very warm weekend, the heat and the impact of industrial action will continue across the country.
“NHS staff are working hard and prioritising urgent and emergency care, so as ever, use 999 in emergency and life-threatening situations and NHS 111 online for other health concerns.”
A UK Health Security Agency spokeswoman warned that the sustained heat could impact the health and social care sector. She said: “If current forecasted temperatures are reached it is likely that there could be some impacts across the health and social care sector.
“A yellow alert means that any impacts include the increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations and an increase in risk to health for individuals over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions, including 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.”
