Forecasters predict temperatures will be hotter in Surrey and Hampshire than in Barcelona this weekend.

The Met Office has issued its first ever heat-health alert for parts of England as temperatures are predicted to hit 30C over the weekend.

The alert is in place from 9am on Friday to 9am on Monday in London, the Midlands, eastern and southern England – with people in these regions asked to check on vulnerable friends and family.

Although temperatures are not expected to reach as high as 30C in Surrey and Hampshire, The Met Office is forecasting 25C and 26C highs across much of the area on Saturday.

By comparison, the temperature in Barcelona is not expected to exceed 24C this weekend.

The warm plume of air from the south is also expected to introduce some thundery showers later this week and into the weekend – starting in the south west, moving north and eastwards.

Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Harris said: “Temperatures will rise later this week and into the weekend, with a plume of warm air being drawn in from the south. Temperatures over the weekend could peak around 30°C in some parts of England and remain well above average during night-times.”

“Coupled with the rise in temperatures is an increase in the likelihood of some potentially heavy and thundery showers, which could bring some localised disruption in the far southwest from as early as late Friday, but more likely more widely into the weekend, though it is not possible to be definitive about exact details this far from the potential event.”

Heat Health Alert

The UK Health Security Agency, which covers the healthcare sector in England, has issued a Yellow Heat Health Alert.

Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at the UK Health Security Agency, said: “In the coming days we are likely to experience our first sustained period of hot weather of the year so far, so it’s important that everyone ensures they keep hydrated and cool while enjoying the sun.

“Forecasted temperatures this week will primarily impact those over the age of 65 or those with pre-existing health conditions such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases.

“If you have friends, family or neighbours who you know are more vulnerable to the effects of hot weather, it is important you check in on them and ensure they are aware of the forecasts and are following the necessary advice.”

Further ahead

Signals for next week indicate the risk of thundery downpours will continue at first for some with temperatures likely to remain above average. Eastern coastal areas could be slightly cooler again, with a resumption of an easterly breeze.