Met Office extends amber extreme heat warning into the weekend

The Met Office has extended its amber extreme heat warning into the weekend, keeping parts of eastern and southeastern England under alert as the UK heatwave eases only slowly.

The warning covers 31 locations, including areas in the East Midlands, East of England, London and South East England. Temperatures are still expected to rise above 30C on Friday, June 27, although they are forecast to be lower than the peak reached earlier in the week.

Night-time temperatures are also expected to stay elevated, with warm, humid conditions continuing through the weekend. The Met Office has said that pattern can increase the risk of heat-related illness, especially for older people and others with health conditions, and can add pressure to transport and public services.

Earlier heatwave

The extension comes after a severe late-June heatwave that brought record-breaking temperatures to the UK. Earlier reporting this week said the country reached a new June high of 37.3C in Suffolk, and that the Met Office had already issued a rare red weather warning for extreme heat and humidity in parts of southern England and Wales.

Those conditions have also raised concern about travel disruption, strain on infrastructure and possible power interruptions.

What to expect next

As of the latest reporting, the amber warning remains in force for Friday, June 27. No warning was listed for Sunday, June 28, at the time of reporting, suggesting conditions may begin to ease further after the weekend peak.

Officials continue to advise caution for vulnerable people and for anyone spending long periods outdoors as the combination of heat and humidity persists.