Science
Jun 17, 20261
59%
Met Office Forecasts 32C Heatwave in Southern England; Greater Manchester to See Mixed Conditions
The Met Office has forecast a heatwave in southern and eastern England with temperatures reaching 32C, prompting yellow health alerts from the UKHSA for four regions. Greater Manchester, while avoiding official heat alerts, is forecast to experience conditions that may meet heatwave thresholds, characterized by wet and humid weather followed by rising temperatures toward the end of the week.
Quick Facts
Who
UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA)
What
Heatwave forecast for southern and eastern England
When
June 17, 2026 (3pm start of alerts)
Where
Southern England
- Heatwave forecast for southern and eastern England
- Yellow health alerts issued for vulnerable populations
- North-south temperature split developing
- Greater Manchester to experience wet and humid weather
- Potential heatwave conditions in Greater Manchester based on forecasted temperatures
The Met Office has predicted a significant temperature split across the UK, with highs of 32C forecast for southern and eastern regions while Greater Manchester experiences wet and humid weather. The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued yellow health alerts for the East Midlands, East of England, London, and South East England, effective from 3pm Wednesday, June 17 until 8pm Monday, June 22. These alerts warn of increased health risks for vulnerable populations during the anticipated heatwave.
Greater Manchester will not receive heat health alerts despite potentially experiencing heatwave conditions. According to Met Office forecasts, temperatures in the region are expected to peak at 25C on Thursday and Friday, drop to 22C on Saturday, then rise to 26C on Sunday, 28C on Monday, and 26C on Tuesday. Since Greater Manchester's heatwave threshold is 25C, these forecasted temperatures suggest the region may meet the criteria for a heatwave, defined as three consecutive days with daily maximum temperatures meeting or exceeding the threshold.
Deputy Chief Forecaster Gregory Wolverson explained the weather pattern: "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. As we move towards the weekend, we'll see conditions become more widely settled and temperatures rise all round." The north-south temperature split is expected to become particularly marked by the end of the week, with unsettled conditions persisting in northwestern areas.
Health authorities have highlighted particular risks for vulnerable groups during hot weather, including older people aged 65 and over, young children, individuals with underlying health conditions, and people on certain medications. The Alzheimer's Society has specifically warned that people living with dementia face elevated risks during high temperatures, as they may not always recognize when they need hydration or appropriate clothing. The forecast follows record-breaking temperatures in May, when Kew Gardens in London recorded 34.8C on the bank holiday.
Why This Matters
This forecast directly affects millions of UK residents' immediate health and safety planning. The yellow alerts signal heightened health risks requiring vulnerable populations—elderly, young children, and those with chronic conditions—to take specific protective measures like hydration and limiting outdoor activity. Even regions without official alerts, like Greater Manchester, may experience heatwave-level temperatures, potentially straining local health services if residents are unprepared. Understanding the north-south temperature split helps people tailor their response: southern residents must prepare for sustained 32C heat, while northern residents should anticipate a delayed onset of potentially dangerous conditions.
Timeline & Sources
Jun 17, 2026
WireYellow health alerts come into effect across East Midlands, East of England, London, and South East England
Jun 17, 2026
WireWet and humid weather forecast for north and west, including Greater Manchester
Jun 19, 2026
WireGreater Manchester temperatures peak at 25C (Thursday and Friday)
Jun 21, 2026
WireGreater Manchester temperature drops to 22C (Saturday)
Jun 22, 2026
WireYellow health alerts expire
Jun 23, 2026
WireTemperatures rise in Greater Manchester and across UK; north-south split becomes marked