Heat health alert in force as parts of UK to hit 30C

London: An amber heat health alert has come into force as some parts of the UK are forecast to hit 30C in the coming days.

The amber warning, which indicates high temperatures could affect all ages and impact the health service, is in place across eastern and southern England, as well as in the Midlands.

It will be 5C to 10C above normal June weather this weekend, say forecasters.

The alert, issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), was escalated from yellow to amber on Thursday.

Fire services have issued warnings about wildfires and urged people to be “vigilant” this weekend.

Thursday was the hottest day of the year so far, according to the Met Office.

Parts of south-east and north-east England, as well as the Midlands, are due to experience temperatures of 28C to 30C on Saturday, say BBC forecasters.

“Most areas will also notice an increase in how humid it is too, which will lead to some warm nights,” said BBC meteorologist Matt Taylor, adding that there was a chance of “some sporadic torrential thunderstorms”.

He said with “very dry ground” there was a risk of localised flooding where torrential downpours occur.

The temperatures this weekend will be a “big leap” for some eastern areas of the country where it has been cooler recently, added Mr Taylor.

He also noted that air quality would deteriorate over the weekend due to south-east winds coming off the continent. The amber alert continues until 09:00 BST on Monday.

A less severe yellow alert, which advises people to check on vulnerable family and friends, is in place for the north of England and London.

A Met Office yellow warning for thunderstorms is also in place for all of Wales and large parts of southern England from 14:00 BST until 21:00 on Saturday. On Sunday, this warning is in place for most of the UK, including Northern Ireland, from 12:00 until 21:00.

This could mean disruption to travel, power cuts and some localised flooding from the heaviest showers.