Temperatures to hit record-breaking 38C as ‘heat dome’ heads for Britain: Met Office issues four-day amber warning

Temperatures will climb to a record-breaking 38C next week as a ‘temperature dome’ prepares to hit Britain, with the Met Office issuing a new four-day Amber warning for extreme weather.

The high temperature for Wednesday and Thursday is predicted by the national weather service to be 38C; This surpasses the highest recorded temperature in June of 35.6C in Southampton in 1976 and Camden Square in 1957.

Amber extreme heat warnings have been extended from Monday and Tuesday until Wednesday and Thursday, covering much of Southern England and Wales, the East and West Midlands, South West and South East England as well as the East of England.

Temperatures in London will rise to a scorching 38C on Wednesday and Thursday, while Birmingham will see similar highs of 35C on Wednesday and 37C on Thursday.

Overnight temperatures are expected to remain sweltering throughout next week, as tropical nights are predicted in areas where temperatures remain above 20C.

Dew points, which indicate the humidity of the air, are estimated to be around 22 degrees on Wednesday and Thursday. This leaves the record-breaking July 2022 heatwave, where dew points did not rise above single digits.

Rising temperatures have raised concerns about potential health impacts for people vulnerable to extreme heat and heat-related problems for the wider population, as well as a possible increase in water safety incidents.

The UK Health Safety Agency (UKHSA) has issued a separate heat health alert amid rising temperatures covering much of England from Monday morning to Friday night.

Met Office issues new four-day Amber warning for extreme heat

The highest temperature in London on Wednesday and Thursday is predicted to be 38C, while Birmingham is expected to reach 37C.

The highest temperature on Wednesday and Thursday is predicted to be 38C by the Met Office

There is also a UKHSA yellow heat alert in the north-east of England during the same period.

Met Office Deputy Chief Forecaster Tom Crabtree said the heatwave ‘developed into a severe and severe weather event in June, with record-breaking temperatures and very high humidity’.

Mr Crabtree said: ‘The combination of heat and humidity will be sweltering and will have impacts across society, from public health and infrastructure to electricity and water supplies.

‘In addition to very high temperatures during the day, there will also be consecutive nights where the temperature does not fall below 20°C, which is called Tropical Night.

‘This will make it very difficult for people to escape the daytime heat and increase the effects of heat stress.’

The scorching temperatures will also coincide with rising pollen levels across the country next week, with the Met Office predicting ‘very high’ counts from Sunday.

Pollen levels in London, southern England, the West Midlands, East Midlands, the North West and Wales will remain highest from Sunday to Thursday; There is a ‘high’ warning for Yorkshire and the North East for most of next week.

According to Allergy UK, one in four adults and one in eight children in Britain suffer from hay fever (also known as allergic rhinitis), with symptoms often worsening during the hot summer months.

Pollen levels in London, southern England, West Midlands, East Midlands, North West and Wales will remain highest from Sunday to Thursday

People sit in the shade during the hot fourth day of Royal Ascot at Berkshire racecourse on Friday

NHS England on Sunday confirmed visits to its website for hay fever advice had doubled amid scorching temperatures; He noted that sneezing, coughing, runny nose, as well as red, itchy or watery eyes are among the most common symptoms.

The service said it recorded 12,990 visits to the NHS hay fever page between June 14 and 17, when temperatures began to rise, a total increase of 131 per cent compared to 5,632 visits the previous week.

Chief Nursing Officer for England Duncan Burton said hot weather could increase pollen levels, causing ‘uncomfort for hay fever sufferers’.

Mr Burton said: ‘Most people will be able to manage their symptoms with medicines available from pharmacies and supermarkets, and there is further advice on how to deal with the condition on the NHS website.’

But he warned: ‘People should be careful not to take double doses of drugs that can make them drowsy, especially if they plan to drive.’

As a heatwave continues to grip Britain, many hay fever sufferers have taken to social media to document how distressing their symptoms can be in hot weather.

A TikTok user created a video saying: ‘I don’t think people realize how much hay fever actually disrupts your quality of life in the summer.

‘My eyes are squinted, I have a tissue in my hand, my nose won’t stop running; I finished about two packs of tissues today and it’s not even lunch time yet.

‘Honestly, I’ve had enough.’

The video, released last week, was met with agreeing comments. ‘Horrible,’ said one user, while another added: ‘I was literally bedridden the whole weekend and couldn’t breathe, it was so bad.’

Amid rising temperatures, the Met Office has advised hay fever sufferers to ‘plan ahead and take a few simple precautions’ on days when pollen levels are predicted to be particularly high.

The agency advises hay fever sufferers to treat early symptoms using antihistamines to prevent a full-blown flare, and to use corticosteroid nasal sprays to help with itchy red eyes, runny nose, swollen sinuses and sneezing.

He also recommends taking practical steps to minimize exposure to pollen, such as removing outdoor clothing and showering or washing your hair after exposure to high pollen, keeping windows closed at night, and avoiding having flowers in your home.