A yellow heat-health alert remains in place until Sunday
The warm weather is set to continue into the weekend(Image: John Myers)
Temperatures are expected to reach a peak of 29C in Bristol this weekend as the heatwave continues in the South West.
The Met Office forecast sees Saturday, June 21, reaching a max temperature of 29C during the day, with high UV and pollen levels also.
Today, Friday, June 20, Bristol is expected to reach 30C, following consistent high temperatures in the city this week.
The Met Office’s weather forecast for the South West today says: “Somewhat cloudier than yesterday with isolated showers at first this morning. Very warm and humid in western Cornwall with low cloud and sea fog possible later. Otherwise generally dry and hot with sunny periods developing. Breezy in some coastal regions.”
Saturday’s forecast is similar, with humid and warm conditions expected throughout the day: “Very warm and humid with hazy sunshine at times. Showers are possible, locally thundery, but many places not seeing much rain. Coastal mist and low cloud in some western areas.”
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However, despite the scorching temperatures expected today and tomorrow, things begin to shift on Sunday, with a cooler 23C forecasted as well as potential rain.
And it looks like the cooler weather is set to stay for much of the UK. The Met Office writes: “Rather changeable conditions are anticipated through this period, as a series of Atlantic low pressure systems pass largely to the northwest of the UK.
“These will tend to bring some occasional rain or showers, most frequent in northwestern areas where it may also be rather breezy or windy at times. Whilst some rain or showers will be possible farther south and east, here longer drier spells are more likely, under the influence of higher pressure.
“There is also the chance of some occasional very warm weather, as south or southwesterly winds allow brief bursts of hotter air to encroach from the continent, but probably fairly short-lived and perhaps also accompanied by a few thunderstorms at times.”
Earlier this week, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) issued a yellow heat-health alert, warning that health and social care services may be impacted as the mercury rises this week.
The alert was put in place from 12pm on June 18 and remains until 6pm on June 22.
According to the weather-health alert system, a yellow warning means a likely:
- increased use of health care services by vulnerable populations
- an increase in risk to health for individuals aged over 65 years or those with pre-existing health conditions, including respiratory and cardiovascular diseases
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “Our findings shows that even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults, and it is therefore important that everyone takes sensible precautions while enjoying the sun.
“The forecasted high temperatures are expected to be short-lived but could primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”