LONDON: Britain is facing its third heat wave of the year, with temperatures expected to remain above 30 degrees Celsius (86 degrees Fahrenheit) for up to 10 consecutive days, according to weather forecasts.
The hottest conditions are expected from the middle of the week, when temperatures could climb to 34C (93F) in parts of the country.
The UK Health Security Agency has issued an amber heat-health alert for the Midlands, eastern England and southern England from July 8 to July 21, warning that prolonged high temperatures could pose significant health risks, particularly for vulnerable people.
A yellow heat-health alert has also been issued for northern England for the same period.
Officials urged residents to stay hydrated, avoid prolonged exposure to the sun during peak hours and check on elderly relatives and other vulnerable individuals as the hot weather persists.
More read, UN climate body flags growing risk from emerging El Niño system
Earlier, United Nations’ weather agency had warned that a strengthening El Niño system in the coming months could significantly raise global temperatures and intensify extreme weather events, with impacts potentially lasting into 2027.
The World Meteorological Organization said the climate pattern is expected to amplify heat conditions across multiple regions, increasing risks of heatwaves, droughts and related health emergencies.
Authorities in Europe have already reported severe consequences from recent heatwaves. In France, Belgium and the Netherlands, more than 3,700 deaths have been recorded during two recent periods of extreme heat.
France accounted for 2,025 deaths, followed by 1,200 in Belgium and 480 in the Netherlands, according to preliminary official figures. Health officials warned that the death toll could rise as further assessments continue.
Spain has also reported hundreds of fatalities linked to prolonged high temperatures, underscoring the growing human toll of extreme heat across the continent.
