Heatwave hits as health alert issued for most of England
We could see the hottest temperatures of the year this week
Last updated 5th Sep 2023
People in England are being warned we could see the hottest temperatures of the year so far this week.
A yellow heat-health alert's been issued by the UK Health Security Agency for the whole of England, except the North East, due to the heatwave.
It's in force until 9pm on Sunday 10th September.
The Met Office is predicting maximum temperatures of 32C on Wednesday and Thursday, potentially matching the year’s record of 32.2C in June.
Heatwave criteria will likely be met in a number of places over the next couple of days, and for much of the UK it will feel “very warm to hot”, Rachel Ayers, senior meteorologist, said.
And it is possible the highest temperatures of 2023 could be seen this month, with the current record standing at 32.2C on both June 10 and 25.
Ms Ayers said: “On Tuesday, there will be some patchy cloud for the far southwest and later Northern Ireland with a risk of the odd shower/isolated thunderstorm. Elsewhere after any low cloud, mist and fog lifts and clears it will be dry with plenty of sunshine.
“It will be cloudier in the far north of Scotland with the odd spot of rain and drizzle, though drier than recent days.
“Temperatures will vary between 27 to 30C in central and southern areas, with an isolated 31C possible inland.
“On Wednesday, mist and fog will clear once again with low cloud burning back to the coast through the morning, again leaving a very warm or hot day.
“Again some patchy cloud in the far west and Northern Ireland. A chance of showers moving into the South West during the evening, risk of an isolated thunderstorm. Temperatures will climb to 32C in central and south-east England.
“Thursday, another fine day after early mist and fog clears. Again cloudier for North Sea coasts, and inland at first, but cloud burning back to the coasts.
“Sunshine will be more hazy in the west than previous days. Overnight showers will push north in the west with some outbreaks of rain in the far north west of Scotland.
“Temperatures will climb to 32C in central and south-east England.
“On Friday, most places will remain fine and dry with sunny spells. Areas of cloud will limit sunshine in places, with a small chance of an isolated shower or thunderstorm, predominantly in the west.
“Patchy rain is likely, at least for a time in the far north west, perhaps with brighter, drier, fresher conditions here later. Mainly light winds, though winds increasing in the north west.
“Continuing very warm or hot for many and likely feeling humid, but with low cloud and lower temperatures around some coasts, with the potential for cooler air to move into some northern parts too. Temperatures climbing to 31C in central and south-east England.”
The weekend is set to become cooler, turning unsettled next week when the weather will return to September’s average temperatures.
Tips for sleeping in a heatwave
1) Cool your sheets
While it would be great to put all of your bedding in the fridge or freezer before you go to bed, a cool over-sheet or cool pillow cases will help. Stick them in a plastic bag and then in your fridge or freezer for around 10 minutes before you go to bed and they will cool you down.
2) Sleep alone
Even if you normally share your bed with your significant other, body heat can make a hot night even hotter. Maybe it's time for one of you to sleep in the spare room for the night.
3) Tepid shower
Don't be fooled into having a cold shower, a tepid shower is better at lowering your body temperature. If you have a cold shower your body can overcompensate and make you even hotter!
4) Avoid alcohol
Although it's very tempting to enjoy a cold alcoholic drink when it comes to bedtime you might regret it as alcohol dehydrates.
5) DIY air conditioning
When a simple fan isn't enough to cool you down, try filling a pan or bowl with ice cubes and putting that in front of the fan. The fan's breeze will then create a cooling mist.
6) Use sheets instead of a duvet
Get rid of your winter duvet and maybe even your summer duvet, swapping it for a thin sheet to keep you cool.
7) Cool your feet
Dipping your feet in a bucket of cold water before you go to sleep can help cool down your body, but make sure you don't spill it or get water all over your bed!
8) Windows and curtains
Make sure you keep the windows and curtains closed during the day to keep the heat out and then open them when it's cooler. This will help circulate the cooler air.
9) Drink plenty of water
Aim to drink at least two litres of fluids a day if you can, stay away from caffeine and alcohol.
10) Cool your pulse points
Put a cold flannel on your wrist and neck to cool down your body.
11) Cold water bottle
We've all heard of a hot water bottle, why not do the same with cold water when it's hot weather. Alternatively you could use an icepack in towel. However, remember not to put ice directly onto your skin!
12) Fan cross flow
If you have a fan or blow heater then put it on the cool setting and create a cross flow. Point it so that the warm air at the back is pushed out of an open window, that way it will keep your room cool.