Five-day health emergency declared across England with temperatures set to soar – but Glastonbury revellers face thunderstorm washout TODAY
Britain is bracing for its second scorching heatwave of the year as temperatures are set to rocket to a sweltering 34C, prompting health chiefs to issue an urgent amber warning amid fears of a surge in deaths among the elderly.
The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) sounded the alarm this morning, placing five regions of England under an amber heat health alert as the mercury prepares to soar from tomorrow – with the hottest day of the year expected on Monday.
The East Midlands, South East, South West, East of England and London will all be under the amber warning from 12pm tomorrow until 6pm next Tuesday, while Yorkshire and the Humber and West Midlands face yellow alerts.
Health bosses warned of “significant impacts” across the NHS and social care services, with a likely “rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or with health conditions” as Britain swelters in continental heat.
But while sun-seekers prepare for the sizzling weekend ahead, more than 200,000 Glastonbury Festival-goers woke to rain and thunderstorms this morning – with the Met Office warning of heavy downpours hitting Worthy Farm in Somerset.
Temperatures Set to Soar
The mercury is forecast to climb steadily over the coming days, with highs of 27C (81F) today followed by:
- Tomorrow: 28C (82F)
- Saturday: 29C (84F)
- Sunday: 31C (88F)
- Monday: 34C (93F) – potentially the hottest day of 2025
- Tuesday: 31C (88F)
Last Saturday saw the UK’s hottest temperature of the year so far when Charlwood in Surrey hit 33.2C (91.8F) – but Monday could smash that record as a European heatwave pushes blowtorch conditions across the Channel.
An official heatwave is declared when areas reach certain temperatures for three consecutive days, with thresholds ranging from 25C (77F) in northern England to 28C (82F) in London and the Home Counties.
Health Emergency Declared
The UKHSA’s amber alert – one step below the highest red warning – means weather impacts are “likely to be felt across the whole health service” with increased demand potentially overwhelming capacity.
Dr Agostinho Sousa, Head of Extreme Events and Health Protection at UKHSA, warned: “We have already seen warm weather across the week, and temperatures are set to increase in the coming days, exceeding 30C in many areas.
Even moderate heat can result in serious health outcomes, especially for older adults. If you have friends, family or neighbours who are more vulnerable, it is important to check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”
The warning highlighted particular risks including:
- Increased use of healthcare services by vulnerable populations
- A rise in deaths among over-65s and those with pre-existing conditions
- Respiratory and cardiovascular disease complications
- Potential power outages as demand exceeds capacity
- Heat affecting workforce ability to deliver services
European Heatwave Sweeps In
Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Mike Silverstone explained the scorching conditions are being driven by a massive heatwave developing across western Europe.
“Higher temperatures building over the weekend and into early next week will bring particularly warm, hot or even very hot conditions for some, especially in the southeast and East Anglia,” he said.
“By the weekend, an area of high pressure will be intensifying and dominating the UK forecast. Monday could see temperatures reach around 34C in some parts, though we will be able to be more precise closer to the time.”
The hot weather marks Britain’s second heatwave of 2025, after the first began on June 20 when the previous amber alert was issued – the first since September 2023.
Glastonbury Washout
But while much of Britain prepares to bask in sunshine, Glastonbury Festival kicked off with a dampener as rain and thunderstorms swept across Somerset this morning.
Revellers at the legendary music festival faced a soggy start as they pitched tents in muddy fields, with the Met Office warning of significant rainfall in the South East, North and West today.
Festival-goers have been advised to pack both sunscreen and waterproofs as conditions are expected to improve, with mainly warm weather forecast for the weekend – though scattered showers remain possible.
The contrast between today’s washout and the coming heatwave highlights the changeable nature of British summer weather, with Atlantic low-pressure systems battling continental high pressure for dominance.
Stay Safe Advice
Health officials urged Britons to take precautions during the hot spell:
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids and avoiding excessive alcohol
- Keep curtains closed in sun-facing rooms during the day
- Open windows when it’s cooler outside, especially at night
- Check on elderly neighbours and relatives regularly
- Avoid strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day
- Wear sunscreen and seek shade where possible
The amber alert regions face the most severe impacts, with the warning stating that “significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures.
Drought Fears Loom
Weather experts have also raised concerns about potential drought conditions, with some areas experiencing minimal rainfall since winter.
Jim Dale, meteorologist for British Weather Services, warned: “The southeast is looking like the Mediterranean, it is similar to what you would expect in Spain. We have had next to zero rainfall since winter, and there is nothing in the forecast.”
He added: “Although we are going to probably be talking again about heatwaves, the greatest risk is from drought and everything that comes with that.”
Record-Breaking Potential
Monday’s forecast of 34C would make it one of the hottest June days on record if achieved. The all-time UK temperature record stands at 40.3C, set during the extreme heatwave of July 2022 when a red alert was issued for the first time.
That unprecedented heatwave saw widespread disruption including melting runways, buckled railway lines and overwhelmed hospitals – prompting fears of similar chaos if temperatures continue to climb.
Tony Wisson, deputy chief meteorologist at the Met Office, said: “We could very well see several places exceeding 30C, which will be the highest temperatures of the year so far.
The heatwave is expected to be most intense in southern and eastern England, while northern and western areas will experience relatively cooler conditions – though still above average for the time of year.
As Britain prepares for the mercury to soar, the message from health officials is clear: take the heat seriously, check on vulnerable neighbours, and be prepared for what could be the hottest spell of 2025 so far.
