A 30C heatwave forecast to scorch England and Wales this weekend may also feature thunderstorms.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office‘s warning covers six regions in England, London, the East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West, and is in place from 9am on Friday until Monday morning.
Parts of the country are predicted to be hotter than Marbella, Ibiza and Tenerife over the weekend as a ‘plume of warm air’ moves in from the south.
Cloud, rain and thunderstorms are also set to sweep in, with the nights becoming humid.
The Met Office has issued a yellow warning for thunderstorms on Saturday afternoon, covering an area that covers all of Wales, Manchester and down to London.
The warning, which is in place from 2pm to 9pm, states: ‘Whilst many places will be largely dry, thunderstorms with heavy rain and hail are likely to develop in some places on Saturday afternoon.’
There will ‘likely’ be some impacts across the health and social care sector if forecasted temperatures are reached, the UKHSA said, with over-65s and those with pre-existing health conditions most at risk.
A 30C heatwave forecast to scorch England and Wales this weekend may also feature thunderstorms
Jake Mowbray and Ella Bowden were seen cooling off today on an afternoon of bright sunshine and blue skies at Shaftesbury Lido in Dorset
The Met Office warned last night that the temperatures could lead to uncomfortable sleeping
People pictured enjoying the sunshine in Green Park, London, lying on the grass
Dr Agostinho Sousa from 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.
If forecasts are correct then it is ‘likely that there could be some impacts across UK
‘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.
‘You should ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.’
Most of Wales is set to see ‘long sunny spells’ on Friday, before temperatures climb to 25C over the weekend when there will be ‘thundery’ showers, the Met Office said.
People enjoy a sunny day out at Durdle Door on the Jurassic Coast, Dorset, as warm temperatures continue to dominate the weather across the country
Parts of the country are predicted to be hotter than Marbella, Ibiza and Tenerife over the weekend as a ‘plume of warm air’ moves in from the south (pictured are people enjoying the sun in Green Park)
People out on the River Cam in Cambridge yesterday enjoying the sunny weather as temperatures are set to get in to the 20s over the coming days
A 30C heatwave forecast to scorch England and Wales this weekend may also feature thunderstorms (Pictured are people enjoying the sun in Green Park today)
A man sunbathing in Saint James Park in London yesterday after the heat warning was made
Northern Ireland and large parts of Scotland will be breezier and cooler than the rest of the country on Friday and Saturday, before heavy rainfall moves in on Sunday.
The Met Office defines a heatwave as when a location records a period for at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold.
The threshold varies by UK county, ranging between 25C and 28C in areas in England and Wales.
Dan Harris, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, 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 (at) around 30C in some parts of England and remain well above average overnight through the weekend.
‘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 for some from late on Friday and into the weekend.’
