Yellow heat health alert comes into force across parts of UK as rain expected over weekend

Yellow heat health alert comes into force across parts of UK as rain expected over weekend A yellow heat health alert has been issued across parts of the country from Friday to Sunday - Bookmark - CommentsGo to comments A yellow heat health alert has come into force across parts of the UK despite forecasts of rain this weekend. The warnings are in place from 9am on Friday to 9am on Sunday, and covers the East Midlands, West Midlands, South East, South West, the east of England and London. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) said the hot weather could have an impact across health and social care services and put vulnerable people at risk. Health chiefs also warned water‑related incidents may increase, including risks from cold‑water shock and drowning. Temperatures are set to hit 29C on Saturday in London and 28C in Birmingham and Norwich. But rain is also forecast. It comes after three consecutive heatwaves and one of the driest springs on record with hosepipe bans in place across the country. Showers are expected to roll in across Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland on Saturday evening, before spreading further across the UK on Sunday. Steve Willington Met Office chief forecaster said: “The high pressure has been a key feature of the UK’s weather forecast over the last few weeks, bringing above-average temperatures and extremely dry conditions for many. “However, we will begin to see a modest change as a weak weather front pushes south across the UK on Saturday bringing some much-needed rain, albeit it light and mainly concentrated in the north and west. Behind the front a showery air mass will bring potentially heavy showers some of which may be thundery.” Five-day Met Office weather forecast Today: Dry with plenty of sunshine for much England and Wales. Cloudier across parts of Northern Ireland and Scotland with patchy rain, although some brighter spells developing at times. Feeling warm for many and hot towards the southeast. Tonight: A weakening band of cloud and rain moving across Scotland and Northern Ireland this evening, with further rain arriving into Scotland overnight. Remaining dry with clear spells elsewhere. Saturday: Band of rain across Scotland moving southeastwards and turning increasingly showery. Remaining dry, sunny and very warm across southern areas, with brighter and fresher conditions following across Scotland. Outlook for Sunday to Tuesday: Fresher for all on Sunday with sunny spells and some showers. Remaining changeable early next week across the north, but potentially turning dry and very warm again in the south. More follows on this breaking news story. Subscribe here to get the latest updates from The Independent Join our commenting forum Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies Comments