Met Office Issues Urgent Health Warning As 33C Heatwave Declared

An urgent weather warning has been issued by the Met Office as the UK is set to expect temperatures of up to 33C.

While some may jump for joy having experienced a period of drizzle, jacket-wearing and clouds, others may want to grab the factor 50 and a hat, or just hibernate in the safety of a nice air-conned indoors, because next week, temperatures are set to rise to as high as 33C in parts of the UK.

The Met Office has since declared an urgent health warning.

Very warm conditions next week... pic.twitter.com/W27GpcILaC

— Met Office (@metoffice) July 7, 2022

A Level Two heat-health alert has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) and Met Office for areas in the Humber regions, East Midlands, West Midlands, North West, South West and Yorkshire.

While previously placed on a Level Two alert yesterday, 7 July, the East of England, South East and London regions have since received a Level Three alert.

"Both alert levels are currently in place from 9am on Monday 11 July until 9am on Friday 15 July, with warm weather forecast across the country throughout the course of next week," the government website states.

We have issued a heat-health alert as the @metoffice forecasts high #temperatures for the coming days. ☀ 🌡

Read more: https://t.co/KYTUsRrPuw

— UK Health Security Agency (@UKHSA) July 7, 2022

Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UK Health Security Agency, Dr Agostinho Sousa, has warned against rushing out to enjoy the sun without being properly prepared and also checking on other people who don't cope as well in the heat.

He stated: "Heat-health alerts have now been issued to the majority of the country, with temperatures set to remain consistently high throughout the duration of next week.

"Most of us can enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but it is important to keep yourself hydrated and to find shade where possible when UV rays are strongest, between 11am and 3pm.

"If you have vulnerable family, friends and neighbours, make sure they are aware of how they can keep themselves protected from the warm weather."

A UK #heatwave threshold is met when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The threshold varies by UK county.

Find out more here: https://t.co/Mwxf207Ej1 pic.twitter.com/wrVI29XSI7

— Met Office (@metoffice) July 7, 2022

Those who live near the coast have also been urged to be wary by National Water Safety Partner at the Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI), Sam Hughes.

While he reflected it's 'great to hear the sun is on its way,' Hughes encouraged anyone visiting the beach to go to one which has a lifeguard stationed on it and to 'swim between the red and yellow flags'.

"If you get into trouble in the water, Float to Live: lean back, use your arms and legs to stay afloat. Control your breathing, then call for help or swim to safety.

"In a coastal emergency, call 999 or 112 for the Coastguard," the National Water Safety Partner told the Mirror.

If you're heading to the coast this weekend, remember to visit a lifeguarded beach and if you get in trouble on the water #FloatToLive 👇 pic.twitter.com/WFVY1ed6y1

— RNLI (@RNLI) July 8, 2022

David Oliver, the Deputy Chief Meteorologist at the Met Office has warned the warmer weather - 'over much of England and Wales' - will last most of next week.

He said: "In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20s Celsius over the weekend, and then in the low 30s Celsius during the start of next week.

"Much of next week will remain warm for the time of year as well as dry and sunny for many areas."