The UK Health Security Agency has issued amber heat health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, London and the south-east from 09:00 BST on 29 July until 09:00 BST on 30 July. Temperatures are forecast to peak at midweek with readings as high as 35C in the hottest places, driven by a plume of intense heat from North Africa. The alert warns of significant impacts on health and social care services, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions.
Though the heatwave will end quickly for many on Thursday, well above-average temperatures in the mid- to high 20s Celsius will persist into the weekend. The hot weather, paired with a significant lack of rainfall, will exacerbate dry conditions. Rainfall in England this month is at 4.4mm, one of the lowest levels on record. Hosepipe bans are in force for millions of households, and dry vegetation has fueled wildfires in several areas.