UK heat wave: Heat health alerts extended for most 34C days in record breaking year

Amber heat health alerts have been extended to northern England as temperatures soar in the third heat wave of the year. 35C (95F) Thursday.

The alerts cover almost all of England, with the heat likely to have a significant impact on health services and cause travel disruption until 21:00 BST on Sunday.

NHS England has warned that many of its ambulance services are facing “continued pressure” due to the heatwave, and rail services have advised passengers to expect disruption.

Although the temperature will not match the record heat wave in June, the heat may last longer – until the end of next week.

The current heatwave is not expected to break any daily record highs – but earlier the Met Office announced it was the eighth day this year that temperatures have reached above 34C.

There were two in May’s heat wave, four in June and two so far, a calendar-year record, besting 1976 and 2020. Further temperature readings of 34C or higher are expected on Friday.

Alerts for north-west England and Yorkshire – which have been issued for conditions that could put the whole population at risk – join earlier ones for the Midlands, east and south of England.

A yellow alert, indicating the possibility of a significant impact, covers the north-east.

The worst temperatures are expected in the south and east of England, with parts of the country set to hit 30C after five days on Monday.

The temperature reached 35.1C in Wesley Surrey on Thursday afternoon – approaching the 35.7C recorded at the London Tennis Championships in 2015.

Extra water and electrolytes are being provided to players as well as ice-covered towels and umbrellas during changeovers. A 10-minute break may be requested between sets. If the temperature and humidity exceed a certain limit.

Meanwhile on Thursday, 30.4C was recorded in Cardiff, Wales, 27.0C in Aboyne, Scotland and 25.0C in Killowen, Northern Ireland.