Is Greater Manchester set to see another heatwave?
Greater Manchester could see a heatwave over the coming week(Image: Sean Hansford | Manchester Evening News)
The UK is set to be rocked by more warm weather over the coming days, with highs of 32C forecast by the Met Office. But how hot will it get in Greater Manchester and will it be a heatwave?
Due to the incoming hot weather, the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow alerts across four regions in England, warning of an increased risk to vulnerable people as the country gears up for another heatwave.
Coming into effect from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, the warnings are set to remain in place until 8pm on Monday, June 22, and affect the East Midlands, East of England, London, and South East England.
Click here to get the biggest stories straight to your inbox in our Daily Newsletter
No heat health alerts have been issued in western or northern parts of England, including Greater Manchester. The Met Office said wet and humid weather is forecast across the north and west on Wednesday and into Thursday, with a “marked north–south split” developing by the end of the week.
Deputy Chief Forecaster, Gregory Wolverson, said: “This week’s weather reflects a contrast we often see in summer, with more unsettled conditions passing to the northwest of the UK while heat builds in the south and east.
Met Office weather maps show temperatures reaching 29C in southern England on Friday(Image: The Met Office)
“As we move towards the weekend, we’ll see conditions become more widely settled and temperatures rise all round. Many parts of southern and eastern England are likely to see temperatures high enough to meet heatwave thresholds.”
At the moment, it looks like Greater Manchester is likely to see a heatwave over the coming week, which is characterised by an area recording at least three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold, which varies from 25 to 28C.
For Greater Manchester, this heatwave threshold is 25C. Looking at the Met Office forecast for the region, temperatures are set to peak at 25C on Thursday and Friday, drop down to 22C on Saturday, before going up to 26C on Sunday, 28C on Monday and 26C on Tuesday.
If these temperatures are correct, this will be a heatwave, and the Met Office will be able to confirm this.
It comes after temperature records were broken in May, with highs of 34.8C recording in Kew Gardens, London on the bank holiday. Until that day, the all-time May peak stood at 32.8C reached in 1922 and 1944.
Staying safe in hot weather
The main risks posed by hot weather are dehydration, overheating, as well as heat exhaustion or heatstroke. The NHS warns that hot weather can pose significant health risks to vulnerable people. These include:
Four yellow heat-health alerts have been issued by the UKHSA(Image: UKHSA)
- Older people aged 65 years and over
- Babies and young children aged 5 years and under
- People with underlying health conditions particularly heart problems, breathing problems, dementia, diabetes, kidney disease, Parkinson’s disease, or mobility problems
- People on certain medications
- People with serious mental health problems
- People who are already ill and dehydrated (from diarrhoea and vomiting, for example)
- People who experience alcohol or drug dependence
- Runners, cyclists and walkers, or physically active people who spend a lot of time outside
- People who work in jobs that require manual labour or extensive time outside
- People experiencing homelessness
- People who live alone and may be unable to care for themselves
Ahead of the hot weather, the Alzheimer’s Society has warned that people living with dementia are more vulnerable to hot weather.
Angelo Makri, Senior Knowledge Officer for Wellbeing at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “People should absolutely enjoy the warmer weather, but it’s important to remember that high temperatures can pose serious risks for people living with dementia if they are not supported to stay cool and hydrated.
“People with dementia may not always recognise when they need a drink or wear suitable clothing, which can increase the risk of dehydration and heat-related illness. As temperatures rise this week, we’re urging families, friends and carers to check in and make sure loved ones are drinking enough, wearing light clothing and staying out of direct sunlight.”
