UK braces for fifth heatwave with temperatures set to reach 36C

The United Kingdom is bracing for its fifth widespread heatwave of the year, with the Met Office forecasting temperatures could soar to 36C in parts of East Anglia and southeast England by Thursday, August 13. The anticipated peak follows a weekend of building heat and comes as yellow health alerts are in force across most of England, warning of risks to vulnerable people.

The Met Office confirmed that temperatures will climb through the weekend, with a brief dip on Monday before high pressure settles to the east, allowing a southerly flow to develop. Deputy Chief Forecaster Mike Silverstone stated that a fairly widespread heatwave is likely across large parts of England and Wales, with hot conditions developing. While much of England and Wales will remain dry, sunny, and increasingly warm, a north-south weather divide is expected, with Scotland and Northern Ireland forecast to see spells of heavy rainfall.

Temperatures are set to peak on Thursday, with the highest values anticipated in East Anglia and southeast England. The UK Health Security Agency has issued yellow heat health alerts covering the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, East of England, Yorkshire...