London weather: yellow heat-health alert issued by UKHSA and Met Office for the weekend

The UK Health Security Agency and the Met Office has issued a yellow alert for the capital as temperatures in London are set to hit 27C this weekend. London is one of six areas around the country that has been placed under the alert.

The city is expected to heat up this weekend as the Met Office reports the capital could reach a sweltering 27C on Saturday alone. Sunday is forecast to maintain the bout of warm weather as temperatures ease slightly to 26C.

As London prepares for temperatures to rise, a yellow alert has been issued which will be in place from Friday (June 9) until Monday (June 12). While the city is forecast to be its hottest over the weekend, Friday is expected to peak at 24C, while Monday will hit 26C following Saturday’s scorcher.

In particular, the alert highlights the increased risk to vulnerable groups, including those around the age of 65 or individuals who have pre-existing health conditions caused by the heat. It also notes how the forecasted temperatures could also cause impacts across the health and social care services.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.

“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

“If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”

As well as London, the five other regions across the UK to have been issued the yellow alert include East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East, South West.