Amber heat health alerts are now in effect across most of England as the country braces for its latest predicted heatwave, with temperatures set to climb significantly this week. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued the warnings, which come into force on Tuesday and will remain until Friday evening, signalling potential for widespread impacts on health and social care systems.

The alerts are a response to the forecast of high and potentially extreme temperatures, which officials warn could lead to a rise in mortality. This latest heatwave follows a summer where temperatures have consistently remained above average, contributing to a situation where 71.3% of England has now been declared to be in drought.

Temperatures are expected to reach the low to mid-30s Celsius widely across England and Wales during the peak of the heatwave. The amber alerts cover all regions of England except the North East, which has received a yellow alert, indicating a lesser, but still notable, risk.

The implications of these sustained high temperatures are significant, particularly for vulnerable populations. While individuals over 65 and those with pre-existing health conditions are most at risk, the UKHSA notes that younger age groups may also be affected due to increased demands on health and social care services.

By Wednesday, the heat is predicted to intensify and become more widespread, with temperatures exceeding 30C in large areas stretching from South Yorkshire to East Wales, Somerset, and across to eastern England. Some warmth will also extend northwards, bringing temperatures into the low to mid-20s Celsius to parts of Scotland and Northern Ireland. The Midlands and south-east England are forecast to be the hottest, with highs of 31-33C.

Looking towards Thursday and Friday, extreme heat is most probable in parts of the Midlands, eastern, and south-east England, where temperatures could potentially reach 35C or even 36C. Overnight temperatures are also expected to remain high, potentially making sleeping uncomfortable, with minimums unlikely to drop below 16-18C across England and Wales. There is even a possibility of 'tropical nights' in south-east England, where temperatures stay above 20C throughout the night.

While this heatwave may not be as intense or humid as those experienced in June and July, there is speculation that the Met Office could consider issuing extreme heat warnings. Such warnings would indicate concerns extending beyond health impacts to potential effects on infrastructure, including transport networks and power lines. The highest temperatures recorded this summer were 38C in June and 35.5C in July.

This prolonged period of warmth is historically significant. For the first time in recorded history, the UK is anticipating temperatures exceeding 35C for four consecutive months, underscoring the exceptional nature of this year's weather patterns and the ongoing challenges posed by climate change.