Extreme heat warning issued as Britain faces potential record temperatures

Britain is preparing for an intense heatwave with tropical night conditions, where temperatures may not drop below 20C (68F).

The United Kingdom is bracing for an intense heatwave that could bring tropical night conditions, with temperatures potentially soaring to 34C (93F). The Met Office has issued an amber extreme heat warning for Monday and Tuesday, covering most of the South Eaststretching to Norfolkas well as parts of South Wales.

The upcoming heatwave is expected to be more humid than the previous one, with the tropical night threshold—where temperatures do not fall below 20C (68F)—likely to be met in some areas. This surge in temperature comes after a slight cooling on Saturday, with high pressure set to bring a steady rise in temperatures day by day.

The forecast and its implications

The Met Office forecasts that the low 30s are likely in southern England on Sunday, with the heat expected to expand and intensify on Monday and Tuesday. There is a 40% chance of beating June’s highest-ever temperature of 35.6C (96F)a record set in 1957 and 1976.

The heat will also affect areas further north, with 29C (84F) forecast in Manchester27C (80F) in Newcastle25C (77F) in Glasgowand 24C (75F) in Belfast.

Jo Wheelera Sky News weather presenter, notes that while temperatures have already topped 30C in some places, the real heat has yet to arrive. She explains that high pressure will tap into the fierce heatwave over the near continent, resulting in a steady climb in temperatures. The high humidity will make the conditions quite uncomfortableshe adds.

Health and safety concerns

The Met Office alert runs parallel with a warning from the UK Health Security Agencyurging people to look out for the elderly and those with underlying health conditions. The high humidity is expected to make the heat feel muggier and more intense, both during the day and overnight. This poses significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable populations.

The water safety message is also being repeated after last month’s heatwave, which saw at least 15 people dieincluding nine children. The RNLI advises that cold water shock remains a possibility, as sea, lake, and river temperatures remain surprisingly cold. People entering the water should go in slowly and gradually, and swim in a lifeguarded area if possible. The RNLI’s Samantha Hughes emphasizes the importance of floating to live: tilting your head back so your ears are submerged, relaxing, and controlling your breathing.

Travel and international impact

Travellers heading to Europe for an early summer break could also be hit by unexpectedly high temperatures. More than 50 areas of France are on heatwave alert, with interior minister Laurent Nunez warning of 40C (104F) during the day and a sweltering 30C at night in some parts from Sunday. Meteo-France describes the upcoming surge as widespread, prolonged, and intense.

The heatwave is expected to bring sunny intervals on Sunday, with the occasional shower anticipated across the south-east during the afternoon. Monday will see heavy rainfall and thunderstorms pushing into Wales and northern England, while the far north-west of Scotland will also experience some rainfall. The south will remain dry and sunny. Tuesday will bring patchy rain to the north, though the south will stay dry, with temperatures climbing significantly across the south and east.