Met Office issues first heat-health alert of 2025 as Azores High sweeps in to deliver hottest spell of the year
Britain is set to bask in a glorious 32C heatwave that could last for weeks, with weather experts predicting the scorching temperatures will continue right through to Glastonbury Festival.
A creeping ‘tropical heat dome’ will slide across the UK as the jet stream shifts north, bringing the hottest spell of the year so far and potentially record-breaking temperatures by the weekend.
The Met Office has already issued its first yellow heat-health alert of 2025, warning that temperatures could soar to 32C in southern England by Saturday, with most places reaching above the official heatwave threshold.
Azores High Brings Mediterranean Weather
Met Office meteorologist Aidan McGivern explained the dramatic weather shift: “High pressure is building across the south of the UK and shifting the jet stream further north of the UK and that sets the scene for the rest of the week.
“High pressure near the Azores just to the west of Portugal extends its influence towards the UK, in other words, it is an extension of the Azores High.”
The weather system, which typically brings glorious summer weather to the Mediterranean, will sweep up from the coast of Portugal, promising blue skies, sunshine and tropical warmth for at least two weeks.
London Set to Sizzle
In London, where the heatwave threshold is 28C, temperatures could peak at 29C on Thursday and 31C on Friday, before hitting a sweltering 32C on Saturday.
The hot weather will then spread further north, with Manchester and Newcastle enjoying temperatures into the late 20s by the weekend.
Met Office spokesperson Grahame Madge said: “Temperatures rising through the week will be home-grown conditions, where we get quite sunny weather, elevating temperatures.
Health Warnings Issued
The UK Health Security Agency has issued a yellow heat-health alert covering the East of England, East Midlands, London and South East regions from Thursday evening until Saturday morning.
The alert warns of increased use of health services by vulnerable populations and heightened risks for those over 65 or with pre-existing health conditions.
Deputy Chief Meteorologist Mike Silverstone said: “As temperatures rise this week, it is possible heatwave thresholds could be reached in some parts of the UK, particularly the northwest Midlands, northwest England and northeast Wales.
Perfect Timing for Glastonbury
Festival-goers heading to Worthy Farm for Glastonbury 2025 (June 25-29) could be in for one of the driest festivals in recent memory.
Weather forecaster Gavin Partridge of GavsWeatherVids, a favourite among Glastonbury attendees, delivered an optimistic outlook: “This is probably one of the most classic sort of updates and forecasts we’ve done over all these years. It doesn’t get better — dry, hot, sunny. If you want a prolonged spell of summer weather at the end of June, this is it.”
According to Partridge, high pressure is expected to dominate throughout the festival dates, bringing dry skies and soaring temperatures potentially reaching the high 20s.
The Met Office’s long-range forecast supports this, predicting “high pressure” that will “dominate much of the UK, bringing dry and fine weather, and feeling warm in the sunshine with light winds for most.
Hotter Than Parts of Europe
Britons could find themselves basking in temperatures hotter than parts of southern Europe this weekend, as the heat dome creates perfect conditions for sunbathing and outdoor activities.
The dramatic weather shift marks a welcome change after a mixed start to June, with Monday seeing rain spread across Northern Ireland, Scotland and parts of northern England and Wales.
Climate Change Concerns
The soaring temperatures follow warnings from climate experts that 2025 is likely to be among the top three warmest years on record, following 2023 and 2024.
Research shows that one in five people in the UK has faced health problems caused by extreme heat over the past five years. During the 2022 heatwave, England recorded more than 4,500 heat-related deaths, mostly among elderly people aged 85 and over.
The Met Office noted that temperature records were broken at 56 of the UK’s 109 oldest weather stations during previous extreme heat events.
How to Stay Safe
Health officials are urging people to take precautions during the hot spell:
- Keep homes cool by closing windows and curtains in rooms that face the sun
- Stay out of the sun between 11am and 3pm
- Drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol
- Check on elderly neighbours and relatives
- Never leave children or pets in cars
- Wear sunscreen and appropriate clothing when outdoors
Looking Ahead
While the immediate forecast promises glorious weather, meteorologists warn that conditions could turn more changeable towards the end of June and early July, with the possibility of thunderstorms.
The BBC weather team noted: “Despite a few signals of heat lingering in the south, there are still signs of a cooling trend that might develop during this period.
However, for now, Britain can look forward to at least two weeks of Mediterranean-style weather, with the hottest temperatures expected between June 20-22 when the mercury could hit 32C in southern regions.
As crowds prepare to descend on beaches, parks and outdoor venues across the country, it seems summer 2025 is finally ready to deliver the goods — just in time for the world’s most famous music festival.
Image credit:
Green Park by DS Pugh, taken on 4 May 2019, licensed under CC BY‑SA 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
