Heat health alerts issued in parts of UK as rain returns for some this weekend
The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts for central and southern England as temperatures are expected to reach 30C this weekend. While the heatwave brings a brief period of high temperatures, it follows a period of prolonged dry weather and drought declarations in parts of Wales.
Why it matters
Extreme weather events and heatwaves are becoming more frequent, impacting public health services and water resource management.
Image source, EPA/Shutterstock By Ben Rich Lead weather presenter Published 15 minutes ago Yellow heat health alerts come into force across central and southern England on Friday morning with temperatures forecast to reach 30C (86F) in places.
The alerts, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cover the East and West Midlands, eastern England, London, south-east England and south-west England and are valid from 09:00 BST on Friday until 09:00 on Sunday.
The UKHSA warns that heat is expected to cause minor impacts for health and social care services, with an increased risk to life for vulnerable people.
It comes as parts of the UK prepare to see much-needed rain this weekend - although amounts are expected to be relatively small, especially in the south.
A drought was officially declared for large parts of north and mid-Wales on Thursday.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in