Met Office Issues Two-Day Heat-Health Alert Ahead Of Heatwave

It's Tuesday, which means people across the country are already eagerly looking forward to the weekend. And as we grow more and more excited with each day, the temperature is set to rise further and further.

In fact, we look set to hit the hottest temperatures of the year in the UK, which is exciting.

But as is the case with everything, it's important we don't over do it, and the Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) have issued a two-day level two heat-health alert.

The warning is in place for Friday and Saturday for parts of central and southern England, while a level one warning is in place for northern England.

On the four-level heat-health alert scale - which is designed to help healthcare workers manage through periods of extreme temperatures - level one is the lowest warning and is the minimum state of vigilance used during the summer months.

Level two, called alert and readiness, is triggered as soon there is a 60 percent risk that temperature thresholds will be reached in one or more regions on at least two consecutive days and the intervening night.

Issuing the warning, the Met Office said temperatures could reach the low to mid 30s on Friday - but the hot weather is likely to be short-lived.

Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UKHSA, said: "Temperatures are forecast to reach 30C in some parts of the south on Friday and we want everyone to enjoy the hot weather safely when it arrives and be aware of good health advice for coping with warmer conditions.

"During periods of hot weather it is especially important to keep checking on those who are most vulnerable, such as older people and those with heart or lung conditions.

"Make sure to look out for signs of heat exhaustion and follow our simple health advice to beat the heat."

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist, Dan Rudman, said the temperature predictions are unusual for this time of year - and you may want to stash your pillow case in the fridge, 'cause we could have some muggy nights to contend with.

"Many areas will also see some warm nights with minimum temperatures expected to be in the high teens or even low 20Cs for some overnight," he said.

"The heat is a result of a mix of home-grown warming in the day due to high pressure, as well as a southerly airflow introducing some of the warm air from the continent to UK shores."

The highest temperature reached in the UK so far this year was 27.5C (81.5F) at Heathrow on 17 May.

An Environment Agency spokesperson said there is a low-risk of drought but warned further hot, dry weather could put pressure on some areas.

Meanwhile, The British Red Cross has encouraged people to check in with vulnerable loved ones, as well as taking precautions to protect themselves, such as drinking plenty of fluids (which is especially important if you're going to be boozing), keeping homes and offices as cool as possible, and wearing sun cream.

So look after yourselves people and have fun in the sun - while it lasts.