‘Longest heatwave in four years’ to start today as alert issued

The UKHSA has issued a heat-health alert warning for next week

Parts of the UK are set to experience a heatwave over the coming days, the Met Office has confirmed. Southern and eastern areas in particular can expect to see extreme temperatures. On Friday, some parts of the country are predicted to hit 28C, with temperatures set to rise over the weekend and into next week. The hot weather is likely to break the record for the hottest day of 2022 so far, and if it lasts 12 days would be the longest run for four years. Met Office forecaster Marco Petagna said: “Forecast models suggest mid-30s temperature highs later next week. “All eyes are focused on a southerly airstream which could waft additional heat to our shores.” The exception to the rule could be the northwest which is expected to see some cloud and light rain. https://twitter.com/metoffice/status/1545019821150068738?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1545019821150068738%7Ctwgr%5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.metoffice.gov.uk%2Fabout-us%2Fpress-office%2Fnews%2Fweather-and-climate%2F2022%2Fhow-long-will-july-warmth-last Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist David Oliver said: “We’re at the start of a stretch of warm weather for much of England and Wales, that could last for much of next week. "In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius over the weekend, and then in the low 30s Celsius during the start of next week. "Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year as well as dry and sunny.” In an update on Wednesday, the Met Office said: “Areas with lower heatwave thresholds, especially southwest England and south Wales are more likely to reach heatwave criteria from Thursday onwards. “Elsewhere with the higher thresholds, the chance of an official heatwave is more marginal, although it’s possible they could also reach their heatwave thresholds from Sunday.” https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RMpMZ69KCm0 As a result of the expected heat, the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a level 2 heat-health alert warning ahead of the hot weather.   Related links:

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