A surge of hot, humid air moving up from the continent is set to push temperatures across much of the UK into the high 20s and low 30s this week, with the day of greatest heat expected on Tuesday, 12 August 2025. The BBC’s weather coverage warns that parts of central and southern England could reach as high as 34°C and that health services and transport networks may face disruption as amber heat‑health alerts come into force for large swathes of England. At the same time, the National Drought Group has warned that England is already experiencing “nationally significant” shortfalls in water — a situation with consequences for farming, wildlife and water supply. (According to the original report and official drought briefings.)

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The UK Health Security Agency has issued regionally graded warnings to reflect those risks: amber heat‑health alerts for the Midlands, East Anglia, London and the South East and yellow alerts for parts of the North, Yorkshire and the West Country. The alerts — shown in the agency’s live dashboard — signal increased demand on health and social care, and advise organisations and vulnerable people to take steps to reduce heat exposure. The amber warnings were scheduled to begin at 09:00 on Tuesday and remain active through 18:00 on Wednesday. (According to the UK Health Security Agency’s public dashboard and the BBC’s coverage.)
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Meteorologists say a northward displaced jet stream and a high pressure ridge to the east are drawing warm air from continental Europe into the UK. That same air mass has already produced record temperatures in parts of France this week — Bordeaux and Bergerac reported temperatures in excess of 41°C amid red heat warnings — and forecasters caution that UK values will be amplified where the flow is southeasterly and overnight temperatures remain high. The Met Office’s explanatory material underlines that humidity and warm nights increase health risk even where daytime maxima are not record‑breaking.
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The heat arrives against a backdrop of unusually low water availability. The government convened the National Drought Group after England recorded its driest March–May period since 1893; in its briefing the Environment Agency described low reservoir levels, depleted soils, fish rescues and canal navigation restrictions. The group — which brings together the Met Office, regulators and water companies — warned of tangible environmental and agricultural impacts, including reduced crop yields and poorer livestock feed, and signalled the need for monthly oversight and faster operational responses from the water industry. (According to the government press release and Environment Agency updates.)
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The current spell also sits within an exceptionally warm summer so far. Met Office analysis notes a run of above‑average temperatures, with the highest UK reading this year recorded at 35.8°C in Faversham on 1 July and further mid‑30s values logged across England and Wales in July. Those trends have produced more days above 30°C than the long‑term average in the south of England and are an important factor in rising drought pressure. The Met Office cautions that whether a particular hot spell is classified as an official heatwave depends on meeting county‑specific thresholds for at least three consecutive days — thresholds that vary across the country and were recently updated using a modern climatology.
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Forecasts suggest the hottest conditions will persist through Wednesday for many areas, with a modest return to cloudier, more humid conditions and a risk of thunderstorms from Thursday. High pressure is expected to rebuild into the weekend, bringing a renewed warm spell with mid‑ to high‑20s likely and the possibility of 30°C again in southern England and south Wales. If specific locations record their threshold temperatures for three days in a row, the Met Office’s definition means parts of the UK could register a fourth heatwave of the summer. (Based on Met Office forecasts and explanatory guidance.)
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Local impacts are already being reported: the BBC’s live coverage has documented heat‑related rail disruptions, event adjustments and calls for water‑use prudence, while French media and weather agencies described school activity limits and public‑health advisories where continental temperatures blew past 40°C. The government has urged the public to report environmental incidents and for water companies to speed up action; regulators and agencies say contingency measures such as targeted water restrictions are being considered where needed to protect critical supplies and habitats. Public health advice remains to keep cool, stay hydrated and check on elderly or medically vulnerable neighbours and relatives.
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The unfolding combination of intense short‑term heat and a prolonged spring deficit highlights the twin pressures of extreme weather and chronic water stress. Experts and agencies say short‑term operational measures are essential to protect people and wildlife, while the pattern underlines wider questions about resilience and long‑term water management as summers become warmer and drier on average. The National Drought Group will meet regularly to keep ministers and stakeholders updated and to co‑ordinate responses with water companies and environmental agencies. (According to government statements and Met Office commentary.)
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Source: Noah Wire Services