Health warning over hot Surrey weather as 'highest temperatures so far this year' predicted

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued a yellow heat health alert for Surrey and the wider Southeast region.

The alert isset to begin on Monday, 24 June 2024 at 8:00 am and last until Thursday, 27 June 2024 at 5:00 pm.

Health officials warn that the upcoming heatwave could have significant impacts on the health and social care sector. The elderly, particularly those aged 65 and above, as well as individuals with pre-existing health conditions, are at increased risk of heat-related illnesses and mortality. However, younger age groups may also be affected.

As temperatures rise, there is an anticipated surge in demand. Hospitals and care homes may face challenges in maintaining safe internal temperatures, the UKHSA added. .

The heatwave is expected to affect service delivery across various sectors, with many indoor environments likely to overheat. This poses an increased risk to vulnerable individuals living independently in the community, as well as those in care settings.

Residents are advised to take necessary precautions to stay cool and hydrated during this period of elevated temperatures.

The Met Office are signalling the prospect of higher temperatures to come into the early part of next week. Dan Rudman is a Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist. He said: “After a brief, less settled interlude today and tomorrow, fine conditions will return by Sunday and into the beginning of next week. For much of the UK this will be accompanied by a boost in temperatures with many places reaching the mid-20°Cs.

"Some central and southern areas are likely to see temperatures approaching the values needed for heatwave conditions. Heatwave conditions need to remain in situ for three consecutive days, and by the beginning to middle of next week it is possible that some parts of the UK could be reaching heatwave thresholds.

“However, whether or not everyone experiences heatwave thresholds, the majority of the UK will experience the highest temperatures so far this year."

Weather forecast for the South East

This weekend

On Saturday, dull with extensive low cloud, and patchy light rain, at first. As sunny intervals eventually break though so isolated sharp showers may develop for a time, before dying away to leave warm sunny spells by evening. Light sea-breezes develop. Maximum temperature 24 °C. Into tonight, l argely sunny through the evening and then mostly clear overnight, with very light winds. Isolated mist and fog patches may form, especially in rural locations. Minimum temperature 8 °C.

On Sunday, a sunny start but then areas of low cloud are likely to gradually spread east, although still bright or sunny spells will occur. Feeling very warm, with light sea-breezes developing. Maximum temperature 26 °C.

Outlook for Monday to Wednesday:

Becoming hot and humid, although through Wednesday there is a chance of heavy showers or thunderstorms developing. There will be varying amounts of cloud, but also bright or sunny spells.

“Confidence in the forecast reduces markedly from Wednesday onwards" Dan Rudman, Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist. said. He added: "There is uncertainty in both how long the heat will last and how it will break down, which we will be keeping an eye on for the coming days. However, by next weekend, cooler, changeable conditions become more likely.

"The best advice for anyone wanting to know how the weather is shaping up from mid-next week, is to keep an eye on our latest forecast."

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