Warning Issued Over UK’s High UV Levels As Heatwave Continues

A meteorologist has issued a warning about high levels of UV across the UK in the coming days. 

Taking to Twitter on Saturday (9 July), Marco Petagna, a Senior Operational Meteorologist at the Met Office, urged people to ‘take care’ in the sunshine. 

Alongside a screengrab of UV index forecasts across the UK, Petagna wrote: “Don't see this very often..widespread very high #UV levels S UK next 3 days 8 on the scale is just about as high as it can get here. Take care in the [sun emoji].”

Petagna’s tweet came the same day that Brits were issued a heatwave health warning amid reports that temperatures will soar next week. 

Petagna had screengrabbed Saturday’s UV forecast, however UV levels are even higher today (10 July) with many places in the south east experiencing ‘very strong’ UV exposure.

A ‘very strong’, red-coloured UV warning (or number 8 on the scale) is the second highest marker on the Met’s solar UV index.

There is also a purple-coloured warning that’s considered ‘extreme’, but such high levels of UV exposure aren’t predicted in the coming days.

On Friday (8 July), the Met Office sent out an urgent health warning as forecasts suggested some parts of the UK could soon reach 33C.

A Level 2 Health Alert was issued earlier this week when the hot weather first arrived, however, this has since been upgraded to Level 3 as the heatwave is expected to continue throughout next week. 

David Oliver, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “The warm weather over much of England and Wales could last for much of next week.

“In the short term, many can expect temperatures in the mid to high 20C over the weekend, and then in the low 30C 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.”

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, expressed the importance of staying safe in the sun. 

Sousa said: “We want everyone to enjoy the hot weather when it arrives, but also to check in on their vulnerable family, friends and neighbours to make sure they are prepared for the warm conditions ahead. 

“High temperatures are predicted for a prolonged period, so make sure to follow our simple health advice to beat the heat.”