Amber heat warning issued – as York could hit 37°C

An amber heat health warning covering York and North Yorkshire has been issued by the UK Health Security Agency.

It runs from noon today (Tuesday) until 9pm on Friday (14 August).

This heatwave is due to peak on Thursday. The BBC is forecasting a high of 34°C in York, The Weather Channel suggest 36°C and AccuWeather says 37°C.

Met Office chief forecaster Chris Bulmer said: “While the peak heat will be more short-lived than recent heatwaves, temperatures widely into the mid-30s Celsius on Thursday brings the potential for impacts for some

“High pressure is now becoming dominant and temperatures will build day-by-day.

“Southerly and south-easterly winds will also tap into the hot conditions over Europe which helps develop this further notable heat in what has been a hot and dry summer so far for many in the south of the UK.”

Officials have urged people to take simple steps to stay safe, such as drinking plenty of water, checking on vulnerable friends and family, and avoiding the sun at the hottest part of the day.

Yorkshire is one of the few regions not in an official drought.

But the region has moved to “prolonged dry weather” status, the stage before drought, and nowhere in England is in “normal” status, the Environment Agency said.