Met Office gives update on UK areas which could see heatwave next week as temperatures rise to 28C

Heatwaves could hit parts of the UK next week as temperatures rise to 28C. A yellow heat health alert has already been issued for large parts of England as the rising temperatures could pose a health threat to vulnerable people.

In a new update on Friday, the Met Office said after a grey but warm weekend hotter, more humid weather is forecast at the start of next week. Temperatures will reach the mid to late 20s with potential heatwaves conditions across some areas in central and southern England

A heatwave is triggered when a location records a period of at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures - either 25C in most parts of the UK or 28C in London.

READ MORE: Met Office issue warning as 'pollen bomb' hits UK causing misery for hay fever sufferers

Dan Rudman,Met Office Deputy Chief Meteorologist, 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."

Looking ahead to the weekend temperatures are expected to reach high teens to low 20s Saturday evening.

On Sunday morning, more cloud and drizzle is expected across Wales, central and southern England before sunnier conditions for the rest of the day, according to the Met Office.

On Monday, temperatures are expected to reach a maximum of 27C in the north of England and 28C in the south and southeast of the country.

The forecaster attributed the warmer temperatures to the jet stream – high velocity wind in the atmosphere which causes changes in pressure and helps shape the weather across the country.

The Met Office and the UK Health Security Agency issued the alert on Thursday, June 20, and will be in effect from 9am on Monday, June 24 to 6-pm on Thursday, June 27. The warning is in place for the North West, Yorkshire and The Humber, East Midlands, West Midlands, East of England, South East and South West.

Meanwhile, pollen counts across the UK also remain very high until at least Tuesday. A Met Office spokesperson said: "The fine, dry weather that we’re expecting for much of the country late in the weekend and into the start of next week is allowing pollen levels to reach Very High levels in our forecast, with grass pollen the main culprit.

“At this time of year, periods of warm and dry weather means that grass pollen can be released quite easily and cause some impacts for those who suffer with hay fever. The main advice during periods with Very High pollen levels is to avoid the pollen if you can, which can include changing clothes once you come inside, avoiding drying clothes outside and driving with windows closed where possible.

“Warm and dry conditions are likely to continue into the middle of next week, before more unsettled conditions could provide some relief from the Very High pollen levels for many.”