Heat health alerts issued in parts of UK as rain returns for some this weekend

Heat health alerts have been issued for parts of central and southern England as temperatures are forecast to reach 30C (86F) on Friday. The alerts, released by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA), cover the East and West Midlands, eastern England, London, south‑east England and south‑west England. They are in force from 09:00 BST on Friday until 09:00 BST on Sunday. The agency warns that the heat will cause minor health impacts and poses an increased risk to vulnerable individuals. The alerts come as some areas of the UK are expected to see much‑needed rainfall this weekend, although totals are predicted to be relatively small, especially in the south. A drought was officially declared for large sections of north‑west and mid‑Wales on Thursday. The remainder of Wales, together with much of central, southern and eastern England, remains in “prolonged dry weather” status – one level below drought. Hosepipe bans remain in place for millions of customers. **A surge of heat on Friday** North‑westerly winds that have developed over recent days will ease in southern areas on Friday, allowing temperatures to rise. Central, southern and eastern parts of England are expected to see highs of 25‑28C (77‑82F), with a few locations potentially hitting 30C. Eastern Wales may climb into the high 20s, while other spots in Wales and northern England are forecast to reach 20‑25C (68‑77F). Northern Ireland and Scotland will also be mild, with daytime highs of 19‑23C. Most regions will enjoy sunny spells, though persistent cloud in north‑west Scotland will bring patchy rain during Friday afternoon. Temperatures will gradually fall through the weekend as fresher north‑westerly winds return. By Sunday, daytime highs will range from 16C (61F) in northern Scotland to 25C (77F) in south‑east England. This should bring an end to the heatwave that has lasted 19 consecutive days at Usk in Monmouthshire and Exeter in Devon. **A little rain this weekend – but not enough** High pressure will retreat westward, allowing weather fronts to move southeast across the UK and bring scattered showers over the weekend. Rainfall could be locally significant over higher ground in the north and west, with up to 20mm (0.8in) possible in parts of north‑west Scotland. Further south and east, however, the rain will be much patchier, with large swathes of England and Wales likely to receive only a few millimetres at most. Southern areas may see little or no rain. Wisley in Surrey has already gone a week without any measurable precipitation, and it remains uncertain whether it will record any rain on Friday or over the weekend. Either way, the expected rainfall is unlikely to provide substantial relief for the extensive parts of England and Wales that are officially in drought – or just one step away – following prolonged dry spells during spring and summer. **Will there be another heatwave next week?** Computer models suggest large contrasts in weather prospects across different UK regions next week. Fronts are expected to bring spells of rain to the north and west, with parts of Scotland, Northern Ireland and north‑west England poised to receive their most significant rainfall in several weeks. Conversely, high pressure may build to the south‑east, which could stall those fronts. That scenario would allow dry and warm conditions to redevelop across many parts of England and Wales, with temperatures possibly climbing back into the 30s Celsius in some locations. There is a chance that heatwave conditions could return. Because the longer‑range forecast remains uncertain, it is advisable to stay updated with detailed local forecasts on the BBC Weather website and app.