Amber Extreme Heat Warning Extended
The Met Office has extended an amber weather warning for extreme heat, forecasting temperatures that could reach 38C (100F) in parts of England later next week.
The updated warning will be active from 01:00 BST on Monday through to 23:59 BST on Thursday, indicating increased confidence that exceptionally hot and humid conditions will persist through the middle of the week.
Large areas of England and Wales are included in the warning, while more northern regions are covered only on Wednesday and Thursday.
The warning signifies likely population-wide impacts, including serious health risks, disruption to daily routines, and increased pressure on infrastructure.
Daytime temperatures are expected to exceed 30C (86F) widely within the warning area, with the hottest locations potentially reaching around 38C (100F).
Overnight temperatures are also forecast to remain unusually high, with some urban areas struggling to fall below 20 or 21C (68-70F), resulting in so-called tropical nights.
The heat is spreading from continental Europe, where an intense hot spell has developed.
Temperatures in parts of western France could climb to 43 or 44C (109-111F) over the next few days.
Paris is likely to reach 40C (104F), which would be unprecedented for June.
Heatwave Intensifies Through Next Week
For a hot spell to officially become a heatwave, temperatures must exceed a threshold—ranging from 25-28C (77-82F) depending on the region—for three consecutive days.
An amber warning for Monday and Tuesday will come into force early Monday across parts of England and Wales, where temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-30C.
The warning will then extend across further parts of England and Wales on Wednesday and Thursday, moving north to cover Manchester and north Wales, and further west towards Plymouth.
This is only the sixth amber extreme heat warning the Met Office has issued since they were introduced in 2021
By Tuesday, temperatures in the mid-30Cs are expected to become more widespread, with some locations remaining above 20C overnight.
Forecast temperatures for specific areas can be checked on the BBC Weather website and app.
High ultraviolet (UV) and pollen levels are anticipated in many places.
Widespread Impacts Likely
The Met Office states that adverse health effects are likely to be experienced not only by vulnerable groups but across the wider population.
Substantial changes to working practices and daily routines may be required, while heat-sensitive systems and equipment could be affected.
Concerns include increased demand on transport and energy networks, alongside a heightened risk of water safety incidents as more people head to beaches, rivers, and lakes to cool off.
The UK Health Security Agency has also issued heat-health alerts across parts of England.
Duration of the Heat
Very hot conditions are expected to continue until at least Thursday across much of England and Wales.
Temperatures above 30C could persist for several consecutive days, while overnight temperatures remain exceptionally high in some locations.
The Met Office indicates that cooler conditions may begin to move in from the west late next week, although confidence in the timing and extent of any change remains low.
Scientists note that rising global temperatures caused by human-induced climate change are making extreme heat events more frequent and intense in the UK.
Public Engagement
The public is encouraged to share how the hot weather has affected them and how they have been managing the heat.
Pollen Forecast
High and very high levels of pollen are expected widely across the UK over the next week.
Wales, the Midlands, and southern England are forecast to have very high grass and weed pollen in the coming days, while north-east England and Northern Ireland can expect generally high levels.
Scotland will continue to see generally lower pollen levels over the coming days.
The Met Office states it
"has no data to support the claim that pollen is 'worse' this year,"adding that pollen levels are influenced by the timing of weather patterns and the types of pollen in season.
Additional Information
For more on , see the article on the summer solstice and why it is the longest day of the year.
