Amber heat-health alerts in effect as UK set for one of longest-lasting heatwaves since 1976

A significant story is unfolding on the international scene. Amber heat-health alerts in effect as UK set for one of longest-lasting heatwaves since 1976Image source, Anadolu via Getty ImagesByHelen WillettsPublished4 minutes agoAmber and yellow heat-health alerts have come into effect across England as the United Kingdom braces for one of the longest-lasting heatwaves since 1976. Temperatures are set to rise as high as 36C (97F) for parts of southern England this week. However, readings will range widely across the country, from the mid-20s Celsius in the north to those mid-30s further south.

The Midlands, eastern and southern England are under amber heat-health alerts by the UK Health Security Agency until 21:00 BST on 12 July. Meanwhile, yellow heat-health alerts are in force across northern England for the same period. Significant impacts are likely across health and social care services due to the high temperatures, including a rise in deaths, particularly among those aged 65 and over or those with health conditions.

The Details

Are 'heat spikes' becoming more common? Published29 MayWhat to do if you think someone has heat exhaustion or heatstroke Published22 JuneHeat forecast to peak by Friday Parts of the south and east officially entered a heatwave on Monday, after three days at or above their threshold temperatures. Heatwave criteria were met more widely on Tuesday as temperatures peaked at 32.

4C in both Teddington, Richmond upon Thames, and also in Frittenden, Kent. More locations could reach 34C or 35C in the coming days, with the hot spot likely to be in southern England. Heat will continue to build and extend north and west into Northern Ireland and Scotland until Friday.

Here the peak is expected in the high 20s Celsius. As high pressure shifts towards the end of the week, an easterly wind will pick up and cool down eastern areas of the UK. The focus of the heat will then be further west, across central southern England in particular.

What Experts Say

South Wales could also see highs of 33C on Friday. Unlike the late-June heatwave, humidity levels are forecast to be relatively modest this week, so the heat may feel less oppressive despite temperatures above 30C in places. Nights will again be warm, but overall are not predicted to be as uncomfortable as those endured in June.

However, a few tropical nights - when temperatures do not drop below 20C - are not out of the question, especially later in the week in the bigger towns and cities. How long will the heatwave last? At this stage, temperatures are not forecast to be record breaking like those experienced in May and June.

However, this heatwave could be one of the longest lasting since the infamous heatwave of 1976. During it, England in particular saw multiple locations record 13 to 16 consecutive days above 30C. Throughout this week and next, parts of southern England are forecast to experience temperatures in excess of 27 or 28C, meeting the heatwave threshold for the area.

The development has drawn wide international attention, with diplomatic circles watching closely.