Parts of UK could be hotter than Barbados as second heatwave forecast

Parts of UK could be hotter than Barbados as second heatwave forecast Some thunderstorms and showers are also expected and people have once again been warned to be cautious if entering open water Parts of the UK could be hotter than the Caribbean island of Barbados as heatwave conditions are forecast for some regions. Temperatures of up to 32C could hit the warmest locations while the rest of the country will see these climb steadily into the high 20s later this week. Some areas in the south and south-east of England are forecast to see heatwave temperatures by Saturday, June 20, and more widely on Sunday, June 21. Other Southern parts of the country could see temperatures reach 30C by Friday, June 19. According to the Met Office, a heatwave is defined as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the heatwave temperature threshold. The threshold varies in each county, between 25C across Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales and parts of the south-west of England, and 28C in London and its surrounding counties. The eastern Caribbean island of Barbados is set to see temperatures fluctuate between 26C and 30C on Sunday, according to the forecaster. The south and south-east of England could get even hotter on Monday, potentially reaching 33C in some areas, the Met office said. The high temperatures don't mean the sun will be out constantly, however, as spells of rain, especially across northern and western areas, and a slight chance of thunderstorms across south-eastern England are also expected. A yellow heat health alert was issued by the UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) for the East Midlands, the East of England, London and the south-east of England from 3pm on Wednesday, June 17, and will remain in place until 8pm on Monday, June 22. According to the UKHSA website, a yellow heat health alert means there is likely to be a "greater risk to life of vulnerable people" and an "increased use of healthcare services" by this same demographic. There is also an "increased potential for indoor environments to become very warm" and a likely rise in water‑related incidents, including "risks from cold water shock and drowning". Gregory Wolverson, deputy chief forecaster at the Met Office, said: "This week’s weather reflects a contrast we often see in summer, with more unsettled conditions passing to the north-west of the UK while heat builds in the south and east. "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. "It’s important to note that while temperatures may be high, we might not all see the wall-to-wall sunshine and blue skies we experienced back in May, because there is more cloud around. "There is also a chance of thunderstorms developing in places, particularly later each day, which could bring heavy showers and localised impacts." The Met office said people heading to the coast should be careful with sea-surface temperatures, which are not as high as they would be in mid-summer. At least 15 people died after getting into trouble in open water during a hot spell in late May and early June.